This page is dedicated to the memories of wonderful souls who have passed whose friends and families
In Memory of Irene Zieske 08-25-1940 – 05-02-2019
By Jim and Veronica Whitehead
Our dear friend Irene Zieske passed away last May and while we really miss her, it is with some
pride that we write in celebration of the legacy of goodwill she left behind.
We first came to know Irene several years ago when she, with her partner Erika Sateren, joined a
vegetarian social group that Veronica belonged to. While not exclusively vegetarian, Irene and
Erika were very interested in healthful eating, and in the ethical treatment of animals. They were
also delighted to discover that the group could not care less about Irene and Erika’s same-sex
relationship—which was almost a revelation to them after the years of discrimination and
ostracization they had unfortunately experienced.
Although both Irene and Erika had experienced some dark and difficult times, they refused to
become embittered, and they were often in celebratory spirit about the 20 years of happy
companionship they had shared. When Erika preceded Irene in death early in 2016 Irene was, of
course, very sad, but she became even more determined to do something to mitigate cruelty and
suffering. What was remarkable about this passionate goal was that it strengthened during a time
when Irene herself was suffering with physical disabilities and increasing health issues.
During her last couple of years her declining physical status forced Irene to move into assisted
living, and resulted in some hospital stays. Severe osteoporosis caused several collapsed
vertebrae, and she was often in severe pain. It was during those painful episodes that Irene was
especially delighted to have visits from our rescued Pit Bull “Zoey.”
Zoey, Who is so fierce and intimidating that she easily became certified as a Therapy Dog, was
even more delighted because Irene always had an abundant supply of treats available for such
visits!
In the final days, after Irene entered hospice care, she asked me (Jim) to be the executor of her
will, and I told her it would be a privilege. Working with her niece LouAnne Gibson, to empty
her apartment after her death, we made a couple of discoveries that epitomized the philosophy
and spirit of Ilene.
The first was in a small book of poems by Robert Service. A favorite, that she had bookmarked
with a dried rose petal, and was entitled “Grin,” started as follows:
If you’re up a against a bruiser and you’re getting knocked about ---
Grin.
If you’re feeling pretty groggy, and you’re licked beyond a doubt ---
Grin.
The other discovery was a copy of an “incident report” that had been submitted by a bus driver to
the depot supervisor where Irene once worked as a dispatcher. The “incident” reported that Irene
was the “sweetest, nicest person…” and went on to relate that “she is generally concerned about
the drivers and when she sees somebody down, she will ask about them … and has something
nice to say every day.”
That was the caring and compassionate Irene we knew and remember. May she Rest In Peace,
and may her generosity be an inspiration to all for years to come.