June 24, 1917 - May 23, 2012
Irene Mathilda Caldwell Obituary
Irene Mathilda Caldwell passed away at her residence May 23, 2012. She was born June 24, 1917, in Spokane, Washington to Erick E. and Olga I. Erickson. Her parents immigrated from Finland to the United States in May of 1913 and moved to Hope Idaho in November of the same year, relocating to Spokane two years later. Irene spent her early years in Peaceful Valley, attended Lewis and Clark High School, and enjoyed family and friends. During this time she pursued her interests in music and dancing. As a teenager this passion led to a brief but interesting career as a dancer. She performed in various theaters and clubs in Washington, including the Orpheum Theater and the Ambassador Club, as well as traveling and performing in Idaho, Oregon, California and Mexico. Irene met her future husband Melvin J. Conrad (Joe) during her dancing career. They were married July 27, 1937 in Spokane Washington. Following the wedding Irene and Joe enjoyed an extended honeymoon down the coast of California. Upon their return Irene settled in as a homemaker while raising her two children. Sadly Joe passed in a boating accident at Twin Lakes Idaho in 1955. Following Joe's death Irene graduated from Kinman Business College, starting a career as a secretary and bookkeeper working at the Valley Clinic for 25 years. Irene met Orville Caldwell during this time and they were married June 29, 1957. Both Orville and Irene were very active in the Valley Church of the Nazarene, Irene being a member for over 52 years. The church was the center of their lives. Orville passed in September 1980. Irene remained active in the church while enjoying friends and watching her family grow. Irene was an exceptional mother and dear friend to all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Carol (Robert) Sills of Spokane Valley, her son Monty J. (Carole) Conrad of Murietta, CA, grandchildren: Bonnie Stites, Deanna Pillow and Tony Conrad; 14 great-grandchildren: Danielle, Melissa, Joshua, Emily, Tony (A.J.) Conrad, Bryce, Evin, Krista, Jared, Max, Faith, Anastasia, Stacianna, and Elizabeth; and seven great-great-grandchildren: Dylan, Cody, Cameron, Gwendolyn, Alexis, Denise, and Kayla. She was preceded in death by her brother Leif Erickson, her husbands Melvin Joseph Conrad and Orville Caldwell, and her first grandchild Jerry Sills. A viewing will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Friday, May 25, 2012 from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene, 15515 E. 20th Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99037. Memorial contributions may be made to the Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene Missionary Fund.
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