Longtime Hayden resident Irene Cuff passed away Nov. 1, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Marysville, Wash. She was a proud 90 years old.

Irene was born July 18, 1932, in Spokane to Ray and Bertha Debord, joining sisters Margie, Shirley and Beverly. Two more sisters, Jean and Claudia, were soon added to the family as was the girls’ adored baby brother, Ray. The family was raised in the Pleasant View and Post Falls areas and attended Post Falls schools.

Irene was a young bride, marrying Donald Gale Cuff when she was just 16. It was a marriage that lasted 51 years until Gale passed away in 2000. The wedding took place Aug. 1, 1948.

The newlyweds “camped out” for a short time after they were married on property at Gale’s parents’ home in Hayden. When Irene broke her leg shortly before her first child was born, Grandma Cuff was close by to take care of the baby. Gale and Irene soon settled in Dalton and later made their permanent home in Hayden. Gale built three homes for his family there, all on Cuff Road.

Irene immersed herself in her children’s lives. Connie, Gary and Debbie could always count on her to attend their after-school activities and PTA functions, as well as create a welcoming home where they could bring their friends.

As her children grew, Irene started working outside the home, first at Tucker’s Box Factory in Hayden and then Clare Pendar in Post Falls. She also was nanny to the Beutler children, whom she loved like her own grandchildren.

She played a mean game of pinochle with her Hayden pinochle club, made the flakiest pie crust and most delicate divinity, crocheted soft blankets for every new baby and won numerous ribbons at the fair for the fragrant roses she carefully nurtured.

Her smile and laugh and love will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie Cuff, Marysville, Wash.; grandson Troy Cuff and his wife, Jennifer, Priest River; great-granddaughters Elizabeth Cuff and Aubrey Allen, Coeur d’Alene; great-great-granddaughter Anya Allen, Coeur d’Alene; daughter-in-law Susan Cuff, Missoula, Mont., brother-in-law Ken Cuff, Otis, Ore., and many nieces, nephews and other dear extended family.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Gale, son Gary, daughter Debbie, sisters Margie, Shirley, Beverly, Jean, Claudia and brother Ray.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Stanwood Food Bank https://stanwoodcamanofoodbank.org or Hospice of the Northwest https://www.hospicenw.org/

Private services will be held at a later date.