Montesano native Irene Valarie Papac Cicrich died peacefully on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 in Lewiston, Idaho. She was born Feb. 15, 1933 to Croatian immigrants Steve and Katherine (Brodarić) Papac, the much-adored youngest of five children.

She grew up in a tight-knit community, including many friends she kept in contact with throughout her life. Irene was an exceptional student, graduating as salutatorian of her Montesano High School class. She was awarded several scholarships, helping her attend Gonzaga University. In addition to her academic achievements, she loved sports and was instrumental in establishing the Girls’ Athletic Association at Montesano high school.

She and Joe Cicrich were married in 1953 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Montesano. While raising their four children, Joe’s job with the Social Security Administration took them from Portland, Ore.; Bremerton, Wash.; Hoquiam, Wash.; Anchorage, Alaska; Spokane, Wash.; then finally Clarkston, Wash.. In their early married years, Irene worked hands-on with Joe to build the family cabin on Lake Quinault while tending to three babies in diapers.

Irene’s strong work ethic was evident throughout the years. She was proud to bring her sharp book-keeping and other office skills to various retailers and banks. Irene was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Parish in Clarkston. She spent many years as a volunteer at the parish school, helping a generation of first graders learn how to read. She treasured each little crayon-drawn card and picture she received from them. Of course, her own grandchildren were a source of tremendous joy to her.

Irene had a lifelong love of learning. She was a voracious reader with an astute grasp of history, politics and current affairs. She loved to travel — especially trips abroad to Italy, France, Greece and Croatia. The fun side of Irene meant lots of cheering during Gonzaga basketball and Seattle Seahawks football games. Irene loved parties and entertaining. With her seemingly limitless energy, she could almost single-handedly turn out wonderful holiday meals for a crowd.

In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Sr., her sisters Anne Jensen, Evelyn Papac, Rose Papac, brother Pete Papac and great-grandson Dragan Cicrich. She is survived by sons Terry (Linda) Cicrich and Joe Cicrich Jr., of Lewiston; daughters Teresa (JP) Cicrich-Powell of Seattle, Valarie Cicrich of Seattle and Park City, Utah; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. The family is deeply grateful for the wonderful nursing professionals that provided loving care to Irene in her final years.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 10, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clarkston. The family invites any Harborites who remember Irene to the burial service at Wynoochee Cemetery in Montesano at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, we suggest: Holy Family Catholic School, 1002 Chestnut St., Clarkston, WA 99403.