Obituary - Irene Marie Greany

Thursday, March 15, 2007
THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

Former Juneau resident Irene Marie Greany died March 1, 2007, at her home in Hood River, Ore., with family by her side. She was 90.

She was born March 15, 1916, in Detroit. She was the eldest of four children: Irene, Helen, Rita and Marie, born to Ernest and Evelyn (Morin) Bond.

She was married in Detroit to Alaska wildlife and nature photographer J. Malcolm Greany, whom she had known since the second grade. Shortly after their marriage in 1938, they moved to Alaska, where they resided for 30 years.

She wanted her own family more than anything but found that she was unable to bear children. Her desire to be a mother led her to adopt five children. Her desire was fulfilled.

Her family members said she was as good a mother as anyone could possible hope for.

Second to her family, her lifelong passion was singing in the church choir. For many years in Alaska, she also was the church organist. She was active in the choir of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years in 1999; and son, Ronald Greany.

She is survived by her children: Michael Greany and his wife, Margo, of Juneau, Vicky Lee of Great Falls, Mont., Dennis Greany and his wife, Lori, of Great Falls, and Patrick Greany of Hood River, Ore.; and grandchildren, other family and friends.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on March 10 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hood River Ore., with her family and friends present.

Her and her husband's remains will rest at the Shrine of St. Therese in Juneau, which he helped construct.

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