IRENE PEARL ABBOTT was born on February 12th, 1933 in Spokane county.  She first lived in the Chattaroy area with her parents, Ruth and Martin Abbott, as well as other siblings, Howard, Ernie, Lowell, Lillian and Virgina.  A first-born sibling, Royal Elmo, died of SIDS.

Irene was mostly raised on a farm in the Clayton area, where her mother and dad worked very hard with farming activities.  There was a lot for the children to do to help out.  She enjoyed her years at Deer Park high school and had many friends.  When she was 17, she married Harry F. Charbonneau of Springdale on the 16th of December, 1950 in Spokane, with Lillian and Roger Janson as witnesses.

They lived at Little Falls and Long Lake where Harry worked for WWP.  They then built a house in Sprindgdale, where she lived the rest of her life.  Her husband Harry, preceded her in death.  She really enjoyed raising flowers, just like her mother Ruth and sister Lillian.  She enjoyed watching the activities of her children:  Ricky, Bernis and Perry.  She and Harry enjoyed snowmobiling in the areas around Springdale, as well as fishing.  They enjoyed camping and going to Mt. Spokane to pick huckleberries.

Irene was proud that she went back to school and got her G.E.D. and was able to work for the Mary Walker School district, helping students learn to read.  She was able to retire from there.  Many students would tell her how she made a difference in their lives.

Irene loved watching the Gonzaga basketball team play and would become very involved in the game.  She usually had good advice for the coach:  "They needed to spend a lot more time practicing their free throws!"

Irene passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 18th at the Chewelah hospital after a long illness.  She was very concerned about her beloved cat Callie, and how she would do with her being in the hospital.  Callie was a good companion for Irene.

Irene is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a graveside service on December 27, 2024 at the Springdale Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.