Irene was born on February 5, 1930 in Hoquiam, Washington. She is the daughter of Vila Iola Smith Haugen and Ed Haugen. Following a lengthy illness, she passed peacefully in her own home with her family close by on July 13, 2026.

Irene attended schools in Gray's Harbor and Tacoma and graduated from Puyallup High School in 1947. She furthered her education at Central Washington University for a year before marrying Arthur L, Orando in May of 1949. After she raised her children, she worked for the Puyallup School District. She is survived by her four loving children: Linda DeMarco, Laura Ward, Larry Orando and Lana Jorgensen as well as a daughter-in-law Niki Orando and a son-in-law Mike Jorgensen.  She has nine grandchildren and their spouses who adore her: Stefania and Jeff Olson, Carlos and Michelle Triana, Felipe Triana, Jess and Shantra Moore, James Moore, Hannah Orando Baldus and Chris Baldus, Eliot Orando and Rain Sullivan, Chris and Jessica Ward and Daniel and Jennifer Ward. In addition, she has been blessed with ten beautiful great grandchildren: Tyler Olson, Braydon Olson, Spencer DeMarco, Thomas Triana, Henry Triana, Addie Moore, Theo Moore, Hayes Baldus, Reid Baldus and Zoey Ward.

Irene was a devout Christian who faithfully served at Trinity Presbyterian Church as a Sunday School Teacher, a choir member, a Sunday School Superintendent, a Director of Vacation Bible School, an elder, a session member, a synod member and a missionary to the community.  She never tired of serving her God and Jesus Christ His Son and is a respected role model for her entire family and friends alike.  Many people have come to know God through her.

Viewing will be 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Chapel at New Tacoma Cemetery on Friday, July 31, 2026.  A private graveside service will be held for family members only from 11:30 – 12:00 followed by interment.

At 1:30, all friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Irene's Life at Trinity Presbyterian Church on the corner of 6th and Grant in Tacoma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to a charity of your choice.