Irene B. Sears, 99, passed away Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Guardian Angel Homes in Lewiston, Idaho.

She was born Oct. 4, 1912, to Carl and Minnie (Theodorf) Feldman in Hartington, Neb. She graduated from high school in Gurley, Neb., in 1930.

She and Earl W. Sears were married in Spokane on April 15, 1936, and her first three children were born in Spokane.

In 1946, they moved to Post Falls, where Irene and Earl began a dairy farm and cultivation of 160 acres.

Irene was busy with her family, two additional children, garden and home, cooking big meals for hired hands, even helping with the milking at times. In later years, she worked as a nurse’s aide in Coeur d’Alene.

She was an active member of St. George’s Catholic Church Ladies League, and other social groups. Her prized pies were coveted at bazaars and fundraisers, not to mention at home.

They sold the farm and moved into Post Falls, enjoying many years of Good Sams Club outings and extensive travel in their motor home.

In retirement she loved staying active volunteering, gardening, visiting with neighbors and especially enjoyed her grandchildren. She and Earl moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1997, and to Lewiston in 2002. She and the love of her life celebrated 71 and one-half years of marriage.

Irene is survived by her children Byron (Norma) Sears, of Lewiston, Joan (Al) Kidder, of Spokane, and Mary Sears, of Olympia; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and three step great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Earl; son David, daughter Ann; sisters Edna and Edith, and brother Harvey.

A joint Mass and Celebration for Irene and Earl will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 23, 2012, at St. George’s Catholic Church, 2010 N. Lucas St., Post Falls. Reception to follow at noon. Burial service for Irene and Earl at 1:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Cemetery, in Coeur d’Alene.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. George’s Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.