Irene Louise Thomas, 69, passed away Sept. 21, 2008, in her Coupeville home after a short and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Port Angeles on Oct. 8, 1938, to Elmer and Zetha Giles. At the age of five, Irene was adopted by Edward and Elizabeth Drotning and raised in Blyn, Wa. As a youth Irene was very involved in her school, she enjoyed ballet, 4-H, skiing, theater, and debate club. She graduated from Bothell Senior High in 1956.

Irene held various jobs throughout her life; however, she always preferred having her own businesses. She owned a ceramic shop, operated a flea market and auction and a plant nursery. In 1984, Irene moved to Whidbey Island where she lived until her death. From 1985 to 2007 Irene attended the Coupeville Farmers’ Market where she sold bedding plants, jams, potholders, and was best known for her home baked bread and berry pies. She served as president and market master for over 10 years. Irene was instrumental in expanding the Coupeville market and moving it from the original courthouse parking lot to a larger vacant lot next to the Coupeville Deli. She was also influential in starting the Very Berry Festival and continuing the Harvest Festival. Irene was also a member of the Oak Harbor Farmers’ Market for several years. Irene was active in the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival and Penn Cove Water Festival for many years, and was known for selling Irish knit sweaters and other various arts and crafts.

Irene enjoyed serving her community and helping local children. As market manager, Irene developed a Christmas giving tree program and later started Island Gift Foundation and managed the local Toys for Tots program for several years. Irene loved reading and doing arts and crafts.

She is survived by seven children, Bruce Cleary, Jr. and wife Shelly Spears of Freeland, Cynthia Mervyn and husband Daniel of Camano Island, Victoria Plantz of Coupeville, Paul Cleary of Coupeville, Belinda Eggland and husband James of Bayview, Elizabeth Cleary, Virgil Thomas and companion Amparo Wilson of Greenbank; 13 grandchildren, Bruce Cleary III and wife Barbara of Marysville, Bianca Koshak and husband Robert of Oceanside, Ca., Nina Cleary of Marysville, Venessa Matros and husband Michael of Greenbank, Crystal Mervyn of Bellingham, Kimberly Kuschnereit of Bayview, Danielle Kehoe and husband Edward of Beaverton, Ore., Jessica Fisher and husband Brandon of Oak Harbor, Jonathon Plantz of Coupeville, Christopher Eggland of Freeland, Janay Plantz of Coupeville, Damien Thomas of Greenbank, Megan Wilson of Greenbank, and Tia Mervyn of Camano Island; nine great-grandchildren, Destiny, Casey, Brianna, Alexander, Connor, Benjamin, Baylie, Carlie, Chloe; three sisters Jeannette Jergens, Alberta (Lucky) Marquette, and Frances McMackin; nephew Darrel Smiley; cousin Dennett Stotler and many others.

Irene was preceded in death by her adopted parents Edward and Elizabeth Drotning; birthparents Elmer and Zetha Giles; sister Lorene Smile; son-in-law John Plantz; and the father of her children Bruce Cleary Sr.

A celebration of Irene’s life will be held Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Coupeville Recreation Hall at 2:30 p.m. Anyone who knew Irene and would like help to celebrate her life is welcome to attend. Cremation held with private family memorial to follow at a later date.

The family would like to thank all of the staff and nurses of Home Health Care and Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital for their help and support.