Irene Ann Hannigan-Balch entered eternity September 15, 2014 at 3:30 a.m., while being a resident of the Emeritus memory care assisted living facility in Salt Lake City. Irene celebrated her 89th birthday September 9, 2014 and her three grandchildren and spouses, and three children were present for the week long celebration. She was a loving, devoted mother who was also a supportive companion and friend to her offspring.
Irene was born of Irish parents, Francis Hannigan and Margaret Murphy, in Crosby, North Dakota and raised in the now Ghost Town of Stady, North Dakota. The North Dakota land was a wedding gift from Margaret Murphy's father complete with farm equipment and animals. There were a total of eleven children, with Irene being number eight. She was a born beauty and athlete. Irene was ice skating by the age of three, cross country skied as a child, and had her favorite horse Maude. The family moved to Portland, where Irene graduated from high school and then shemoved to San Francisco. Irene was a Rosy Riveter during World War II. She was a beautiful, trendy woman who stole the heart of many with her long, thick curly auburn hair. Growing up, we remember that our mom was ranked first place in the women's bowling league of Los Angeles.At age 70 she moved to San Diego to retire, and decided to join a gym to get a "six pack". Her bowling skills followed her as she was the Wii Bowling Champion of Roseville Commons Senior Living Community. She remained a beauty even to age 89 with her still long, curly hair and never weighed over 114 pounds.
Irene will be missed, cherished, and survived by her three children Deb, Greg, and Renee and her three grandchildren Rachel, Brandon, and Kaila. The legacy she leaves is her unconditional love and devotion for her children and grandchildren which was the foundation for a wonderful happy life!
Irene was preceded in death by her ten siblings Rosalia, Francis, Evelyn, Viola, Margaret, Julia, Moses or Mike, Dorothy, Edward, and Daniel Hannigan, and parents Francis and Margaret Hannigan.
