Irene May Smith OBITUARY

Irene May Smith OBITUARY

Irene May Smith joined her beloved husband and the Lord on June 25, 2025, at the age of 96. Irene Smith (née Orr) was born on February 23, 1929 in Floral Park NY, the third child of Thomas Orr and May Mineur Orr. Irene met the love of her life, Blake Smith, in high school, and they were married in 1948. They were married for 73 years until his death. Irene and Blake had three children while living in New York before moving to Fullerton in 1959, where they both lived the remainder of their lives.

Irene loved to sing. She was a member of the Aldersgate Chorale at the First United Methodist Church Fullerton for over 40 years. A couple of the highlights of her choir years were the two times they performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Irene became involved in Fullerton Civic Light Opera at its inception in 1971. She participated in the musical theater and was the coordinator for the show’s souvenir program.

Throughout Irene’s life, she kept busy volunteering as the coordinator for Meals on Wheels. She also joined her husband, Blake, volunteering for many charities and car shows.

Irene leaves behind her children, Debbi Miller, Lori Pratt Smith (Russell Schwartz), and Jim Smith (Julie); grandchildren, Matt Miller (Lisa), Sarah Miller Steinhilber (Eric), Blake Smith (Alyssa), and Paul Smith; and great-grandchildren, Zoey & Bodhi Miller and Severin & Scarlett Steinhilber. Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Blake Smith, her son-in-law, John Miller, her parents, her brothers Thomas and Robert Orr.

There will be a memorial followed by a reception at Fullerton First United Methodist Church honoring Irene’s life on July 26, 2025, at 2 PM.