Irene Allgeier Armstrong was born on 17 November 1918 in Milwaukie, Oregon. Her family moved out to Sandy, Oregon in the early 1920’s where they bought a large farm and homesteaded on Allgeier Road, east of Sandy. Irene graduated from Sandy Union High School in 1939. The first graduating class of the new Sandy High School.
On Christmas day 1940, Irene married her high school sweetheart, Lorry Armstrong. They made their home in Portland, Oregon. When Lorry entered the Air Force during WW II, Irene worked as an overseas operator for the phone company. After Lorry’s return from the war they built a home in Sandy on the family farm.
On November 16, 1946 they had a son, Lawrence. Irene chose to stay home and take care of her family and the farm that included many animals. Her husband, Lorry, worked for the Portland Gas Company. In July 1970 her beloved husband died from a massive heart attack while driving home from work. After that Irene got a job at the Clackamas County Bank and worked there for many years. She also worked at Key Bank in Gresham, Oregon for a time and at Montgomery Wards in Clackamas until her retirement.
She was an active member of Sandy VFW Post Auxiliary #4273 and helped bake cookies for Veterans every week as well as many other activities. She also volunteered at the Sandy Senior Center for many years. Irene remained on her farm until 2015 when her health was failing and she moved to her son’s ranch in Washington.
She died peacefully January 5, 2021 at the remarkable age of 102.Irene is preceded in death by Arthur Allgeier Gresham, Oregon, William Moritz Allgeier Sandy, Oregon and Edward Allgeier Sandy, Oregon. She is survived by her son, Lawrence Armstrong of Benton City, Washington; a grandson, Benjamin (Rebecca) Armstrong of Pullman, Washington, two great grandchildren, Spencer and Natalie; sister, Ella Lang of Creswell, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.
Irene will be buried at Firhill Cemetery (Sandy OR) alongside her husband.