"irene you are wounderful person generous positive we all love you cousin and you will always have me"

"Irene you are an inspiration, a treasure, a brilliant mind, fortified strength and a rare friend.  You live eternally in our hearts, in rich conversations and infinite memories.  Your profound joyful enigma forever glows.  With adoration, admiration and love your friends celebrate you today and all tomorrows."

"Irene, it feels like we grew up together -  since we both started at Gwathmey Siegel at the beginning of our careers.  We were a duo, working on the same projects together for many years.  I treasure our conversations sharing a taxi home from working late.  We had such fun going places in NYC!  I always appreciated your dance performances.  I picture you dancing now someplace wonderful."

"There is no pre-fab template for a friendship, no blueprint for how someone you see at parties becomes a friend. Irene, your generous sincerity in every conversation, your graceful encouragement and your ready smile was what built our friendship. It was a very special house filled with dancing and laughter and hope for better days to come."

"Irene, I am blessed to have known you as my friend.  Marianne and I counted on us all being neighbors and friends for a long time and hoped for many more East River runs, strolls through the Farmer's Market, and backyard cookouts ... more time.  Our hearts are heavy with your loss, but memories of your keen intellect, easy smile, unwavering friendship and kindness will always be with us."

"Irene, too much time has passed between our days together in high school, college and beyond.  The distance was great between Seattle and New York.  I regret that I have not remained closer over the years, but all the memories of the glorious times we shared will remain with me forever."

"This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4).  I know Irene's life was reflection of God's smile.  She always had a smile that was a reflection of God's character.  I pray that others draw closer to God because of her life."

"Dear Irene, these past few fridays i have been hoping against hope you will show up for yoga, and perhaps we will do dinner after. Every Friday we will wait and start the class 5 minutes late in silence, in your honor. Oh my friend you have left such a void.Thank You for your unwavering love and support last year....you are a friend who touched hearts. You certainly touched mine.Bon Voyage"

"Dearest Irene...a wonderful gal with a beautiful spirit!  I will always have such fond memories of you!  I hope that celebrating your life with family and friends this weekend will help to ease the pain in our hearts.  Shine on :)"

"Dear Irene, I cannot remember a single time being in your presence that did not involve joy and laughter...you were the best karaoke partner for belting out '80s hits! The reality that there will be no more circles around the sun to celebrate with you is heartbreaking. Thank you for all the good times and positive energy you radiated – they will live in my heart forever."

"One word springs to mind when reflecting on how you lived, and left - Grace. Irene, your smile lit up every room you entered. I loved our inevitable coming together at gatherings to talk about trips, books, films, anything, easily.  Even though it was for a relatively short time, I am truly blessed to have known you.  I miss you already."

"My sweet Irene, you were the most generous, good-natured, positive friend. I was looking forward to us running together into the golden years, you were the perfect running partner, always waiting at the finish with a high five and a "great run!" Thank you for always letting me take the inside route. I will always have you with me."

"Your life was too short. I miss your laughter, your smile, your sleeplessness, your this-is-that, your always having room for dessert no matter how stuffed you are, and so much more.. Cancer cannot take your loveliness away from me. You will always be in my heart."