Irene Greene
Irene Fay (Haxby) Greene began her dash in life November 5, 1941 in Eugene, Oregon, a community established, in part, by an 1853 land donation of her great-great grandparents, Charnelton and Martha Jane (Spores) Mulligan. Her exit from this life came on May 31, 2023, in Goleta, California.
Irene, the oldest of four children born to Paul Richard and Margaret Jane (Mulligan) Haxby was later joined by Paul David (1945), Grace Marlene (1949), and Dan Allen (1952). They grew up without a care in the world in a home their father built by hand and their mother managed with tender, watchful eyes, in then rural Springfield.
Always curious, she enjoyed the opportunity to learn while at Mt. Vernon, Thurston Jr. High and Springfield High, graduating Class of 1959; followed by Eugene Business School before becoming a telephone operator for PNW Bell in Eugene.
Young Life and a graduation trip to Malibu Camp in Canada provided the knowledge and a basis for her faith and relationship with our dear heavenly Father. God is a constant strength and comfort.
In 1964, in search of sunshine and a warmer climate, fate guided her to Goleta, California as her next home. She found a great climate and a good beach community where she cultivated many lifelong friendships. Linda, thank you for the blessing of your special friendship.
She continued her career in Santa Barbara with General Telephone as an operator, an instructor and supervisory positions; then, later as office manager for Square D Company.
While living in ’60s Isla Vista she met…with the assistance of her roommate, Diane….a handsome, blue eyed neighbor, and her future husband, Richard Greene, while doing laundry.
She truly enjoyed being a full-time mother, learning so much through their children Danielle Marie (1970), and Donald Richard (1973). As Danielle and Donald entered school, she became an advocate for their education; always trying to encourage them in school and support their extra-curricular activities. Danielle and Donald have always been her greatest source of pride as they flourish in pursuit of their own goals and careers.
Volunteer activities lead to a perfect and rewarding full time job for her, assisting in various Goleta school offices for over twenty years.
Retirement allowed time for relaxation, some travel and fun local adventures, spending more time with families and friends, learning about succulent plants, and continuing her interest in genealogy…..now being turned over to the next generation to connect the unsolved links.
Irene is survived by husband, Richard; daughter Danielle, son Donald; David/Beverly Evans Haxby, Marlene Haxby Vincent, Myrna Wetzell Haxby, Glenn/Bonnie Greene, Duane Greene; generations of nieces and nephews as well as many of the dozen cousins and descendants. Predeceased by her parents; Dan Haxby, James Greene and Jeff Vincent; Kenneth/Vernice Greene.
Irene wishes to thank the following:
Dr. Fredric Kass and team at Santa Barbara Cancer Center, RTCC, Cherise, and UCLA/SB Oncology for their knowledge and guidance, allowing calm, careful decisions regarding health issues; Stan and Stephanie Giorgi for caring and sharing. To all my families’ dear friends too numerous to name, you are the greatest support team, always being alongside through all the peaks and valleys of life, hugs to you from me!
Linda, my confidant, friend, companion and “other mother” to my children, I am forever grateful for the friendship we were given to share.
Friends for so long: Linda, Susan, Patty, Diane, Maria, Nancy, Dianne, Paula, Jeannie, Dianne, Roberta, Linda, Maria, Barbara, Jeanine, Carrie.
A celebration of Irene’s life will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Restoration Church at 595 North Fairview Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117.
In lieu of flowers, please spend quality time with children reading and listening.