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Irene Cox, 91, died peacefully on May 5, 2011. She was born on Jan. 15, 1920 and spent her early years in Plainville, Ohio, a town close to Cincinnati. Irene was the only daughter of Truman and Elsie Cox and grew up with three brothers, Kenneth, Gayle and Roland. She received a scholarship to attend Ohio State University. She was also offered a scholarship from Columbia University in New York from which she received a Master's Degree in social work. Irene held various administrative social work positions in Virginia, North Carolina and New Mexico. In New Mexico, she was county welfare director in Las Vegas during the 50's. Irene then held administrative positions in Santa Fe until 1965. At that time, she and her partner, Gerry McKinney, went to New York where Irene entered the doctoral program in social work administration at Columbia University, from which she also received a scholarship. In 1967 Irene and Gerry moved to Washington, D.C. where Irene was employed by a congressional sub-committee working on changes in welfare policies. Later she worked at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When Irene retired in 1982, she and Gerry returned to Santa Fe, where for five years they operated a small bed and breakfast facility. They joined and were active in Santa Fe Unitarian Universalist Congregation and also volunteered at local thrift shops and food kitchens. Irene and Gerry traveled extensively in Europe, Ireland, Mexico, Canada and South America. They also traveled throughout the U.S. and particularly enjoyed camping in and around Tucson, Az. Irene had a zest for life and was naturally gifted in many areas such as organ playing, photography, and painting. Many of the originally designed sweaters she knitted are still being worn by friends in Santa Fe. Irene and Gerry moved to El Castillo Residences in 1992 where they made many close friends. Irene was at one time president of the Residents Association and was active on many committees. After noticing some residents complaining of their blouses getting dirty, she designed and made "shirt savers" - all individually tailored to the tastes of the residents. Irene is survived by her long-time partner, Gerry McKinney; and many nieces and nephews: Coral in Tampa, Florida, Susan in Chicago, Dan and his wife, Yvonne in Virginia, Barry and his wife, Gina, Julie and Randy in Cincinnati, Ohio and in Albuquerque; Patrick, Darlene, and Michael and his wife, Sharon. During her last illness, the Albuquerque family was particularly attentive and contributed much to her comfort. Gerry and the family are very appreciative of the professional and personal care Irene received from the staff of Casa Real. A celebration of Irene's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at El Castillo Residences. Irene's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
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