Irene Doris Charron (Sister Ann)
October 4, 1920 - March 30, 2024
Obituary
(Sister Ann)
Sister Irene Doris Charron (Sister Ann), age 103, a Sister of Providence for 81 years, died March 30, 2024 at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, WA. Vigil: Monday, April 8, 2024, 3:00 pm at St. Joseph Residence, 4800 37th Ave SW, Seattle, WA. Funeral Mass: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at St. Joseph Residence. Bonney Watson Funeral Home oversees arrangements.
Sister Irene was born on October 4, 1920, in Duluth, MN, to John Baptiste and Mable (Olsen) Charron. Her younger brother Edward preceded her in death. As an infant, her family moved to Yakima, WA. Her childhood was filled with love and fond memories of their neighborhood there which teemed with children and family. Sister Irene would fondly recall her father playing Run-Sheep-Run in the streets, popping popcorn with grandparents, and the special Friday nights when families would gather for children’s boxing night.
In 1940, Sister Irene graduated High School from St. Joseph Academy in Yakima. In 1951 she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education/History from the College of Great Falls (now University of Providence) and, in 1965, she earned a Masters in Library Science from the University of Portland.
The seed of a vocation in religious life emerged in Sister Irene on her first day of school at St. Joseph Academy in Yakima. She was taught by the Sisters of Providence and she recognized and announced to her mother her intention of becoming a Sister and a teacher. She entered the Sisters of Providence in 1942, became a novice in 1943, received First Vows in 1944 and Final Vows in 1947.
Sister Irene ministered for many years as an Elementary Teacher at Providence Academy, Vancouver, WA, (1944-47); Immaculate Conception Grade School, Fairbanks, AK, (1947-52, 1954-56); St. Joseph Grade School, Yakima (1951-52); Our Lady of the Holy Rosary School, Sun Valley, CA (1952-54); Holy Rosary School, Moxee, WA; (1957-59); and Maryville Academy, Des Plaines, IL (1957-59). She was the second Librarian at Providence High School, Burbank, CA (1966-67,1969) and a Medical Librarian at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Yakima (1972-88). She served as Sister Representative, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center (1987-94) and Providence Yakima Medical Center (1994-88). She was also a regular Patient Visitor and volunteer at Providence Yakima Medical Center. She moved to St. Joseph Residence in West Seattle in 2004.
One of the highlights of Sister Irene’s life was being called to be a Sister of Providence. She was thankful to her community and felt being a Sister of Providence was a way of life, following in the footsteps of Jesus, being a dedicated, loving person with priority for the poor and marginalized.
Dear Sister Irene,
I remember how you loved us and how you cared for all the sisters by asking how they were doing. You enjoyed playing Bingo and every time you won the game. I always admired your organizational skills and cleanliness. I will miss your smile and love. May the Angels welcome you into the heavenly glory. Please pray for us.
I will always remember you as a kind and loving person.
Sister Ann, I am one of those Sevigny kids, who you taught. I remember your kindness, especially to me. You sewed me a blouse and skirt because I helped you after school. It was so wonderful of you and to this day I can still remember the color of the skirt and the high collar of the blouse. You made everyone feel special. You will be missed. We’ll keep you in our daily prayers as we hope you will pray for us.
I am very sad to learn of Sister Irene’s passing! I first met her on June 1, 1973 during my first day of work as a Messenger at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Yakima, WA. Once I met her, I would head to the library to visit every break i had from my job. She always had time to spend time with me and we became fast friends! Even after i stopped working there, I would stop in to say hi! She got to meet my boyd and she loved them! She was like a Grandma to them!
I’m happy she’s now in the loving arms of Jesus! May God bless richly bless all who knew her!
Sister Irene…you are one special lady and I look forward to the day I will see you again!
All my love,
Carol Hagstrom