Irene Griffith Schwab
Feb. 25, 1919-Oct. 13, 2019
Atherton, California

Irene Griffith Schwab passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2019 surrounded by those whom she loved and who loved her. She was approaching the age of 101.

Irene was born at home in Scott City, Kansas on February 25, 1919. She had a sister and four brothers.

Her husband, Larry Schwab, died in 1994, after 45 years of marriage.

Irene is survived by her two children, Dede Barsotti of Atherton and Lawrence Schwab of Portola Valley, as well as their respective spouses Michael Barsotti and Pamela Schwab, with whom Irene shared a special relationship. She leaves three granddaughters, Melissa Perkovich and her husband Brano Perkovich of Menlo Park. Deidra Geraghty and her husband Joseph Geraghty, and Stephanie Schwab of San Carlos. She loved her four great grandchildren: Katarina Branka Perkovich 5, Emilia Diane Perkovich 3, Mackenzie Olivia Geraghty 2 1/2 and Clark Joseph Geraghty, 5 months. She was “Grammie” to her grandchildren and the great-grandchildren who loved her.

Her caregiver Ludy Railey, and Ludy’s devoted and wonderful family, made Irene’s advancing years pleasant. Smiles, singing and trips to the beach were regular parts of her lifestyle. Ludy and her family brought great comfort to Irene and the entire family.

Irene was part of the Greatest Generation. As a young girl, she studied by carbide light and remembered rural electrification; the dust bowl years in Southwestern Kansas were a part of her childhood; she knew the Great Depression; she married her high school sweetheart after he returned from World War II only to have him pass away shortly thereafter; she worked in the aircraft industry during World War II; she was in Time Square on VJ Day; she met her husband in Denver, Colorado and relocated to Atherton in 1953; she would never consider leaving the house without makeup; she never missed a Sunday with her children at the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church; she loved Yosemite and the Garden of the Gods; she had a passion for duplicate bridge; she loved playing golf--including a hole in one; she loved her home in Atherton, living there for sixty five years until her last breath; she devoted nearly 70 years to the love and care of her family; she leaves a family devoted to her memory and striving daily to emulate the kindness, good nature and love which she constantly shared.

Irene Griffith Schwab had an interesting and very full life.

A family service will be held.