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Irene Martin, of Albuquerque, passed away on March 6, 2006 at the age of 92. Irene is survived by her daughter, Eileen M. Whitaker and son-in-law, William Whitaker of Albuquerque; her sons, Rik Martin of Placitas, NM and Allen Martin of Las Vegas, NV; and her granddaughter, Ashleigh Martin of Albuquerque. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Martin; a son, Larry Martin; her parents, Samuel and Agnes Orr McCance; and her sisters, Lily Senter and Sadie Batchelder. Irene was born in Sparta, Wisconsin and grew up in Houghton, Michigan where she met her husband, Ralph Martin. They were married August 6, 1937. She and Ralph relocated to Albuquerque in 1945 and she lived until her death in the house she and Ralph built with their own hands upon their arrival in Albuquerque. Irene retired in 1980 from the Albuquerque Public School system following 17 years as a bookkeeper at Albuquerque High School. She had also worked as bookkeeper in Houghton for the local newspaper. Irene was a proud charter member of Rio Grande Presbyterian Church of which she was the last survivor. Irene was very active in Rio Grande Presbyterian Church until the day of her passing. She was serving as a church deacon, church financial secretary, treasurer of the Presbyterian Women's Association and treasurer of the Martineztown House of Neighborly Service Auxiliary. Irene was also an active member of the Albuquerque Association of Educational Retirees. Many of Irene's friends have been treated to her wonderful cookies and other baked goods or products from her crochet needle. Irene also loved to travel. She enjoyed four trips to Europe and had traveled extensively in the western US. The UNM Lobo basketball teams can be certain that Irene will be listening to or watching their games from above. Irene's charisma immediately captured the hearts of both friends and strangers alike. She always put the interests and welfare of others ahead of her own. Funeral Services for Irene will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 11 at the Rio Grande Presbyterian Church, 600 Coors SE with The Reverend Doctor Robert Shepperson officiating. A private family interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rio Grande Presbyterian Church in honor of Irene. Mailing address for the Church is P.O. Box 66498, Albuquerque, NM 87193. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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