Irene Taylor – Handley and Anderson Funeral Services

Irene died suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday 26th July aged 66. The loved mum of Matthew, Ellen and Jane. Grandma to Abby, Milly and 3 month-old Frankie. Irene was very proud of growing up at Yellingbo in the Yarra Valley. She taught at several country High Schools before devoting herself to raising her family in Inverloch over 37 years, arriving in 1984. Irene was the daughter of Doug and Dorothy Cooke. Loved sister of Alison, Heather, Hugh, Marg, Gwen and Rose. ‘Auntie i’ to their children. Sister-in-law to Ken, Trish and Glenn. Mother-in-law to Michelle, Marshall and Nyil.

Irene had countless friends from her ‘new mums’ group to Inverloch Primary, Tai Chi, French and Circle Dancing. She loved being part of the Inverloch community and was simply one of the kindest and nicest people.
She is the love of Grant’s life.

Obituary
Condolences

Irene will be buried privately at Tarwin Lower cemetery where she liked to bird watch and look for native orchids.
We will have a celebration of Irene’s life for all her friends when circumstances allow.

Condolences(27)

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Clive Vernon says
July 30, 2021 at 12:47 pm

Our heartfelt condolences to Grant and his family. A wonderful person taken far too soon. Love from Kris and Clive Vernon.
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  Jo Southern says
  August 2, 2021 at 9:36 pm
  
  My heart goes out to Grant and the Taylor family. Having just lost the love of my life I know that awful pain you are feeling. May you gain comfort from each other and Irene’s many friends.
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  The Coffee Club Dancers. says
  August 3, 2021 at 5:15 pm
  
  Irene, a dear circle dancing friend who danced upon the earth joyously and lightly, being a positive example to all of us. We will miss her kindness, laughter and love.
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Margaret Lunson says
July 30, 2021 at 7:53 pm

Irene was a life long friend, from Yellingbo to now. Caring, loyal, highly intelligent and creative. She will be missed by one and all.
A friend forever.
Love and memories. Margaret
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Julie Jones says
July 31, 2021 at 2:12 pm

I will miss Irene and her kind nature and balance will be with me, always. She was the yin to my yang.
A beautiful lady taken far too soon.
Sincere condolences to Grant, Matthew, Ellen, Jane and family. Beautiful memories are yours to keep.
Sending a big hug
Jules Jones
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Rayleen Lennox and Family says
July 31, 2021 at 3:56 pm

My family and I are so very lucky to have known and had a true friend like Irene. She was the best person in every way. She was so gentle, kind-hearted, caring and thoughtful. We will miss her dearly and we will cherish the lovely memories we have of her. We send our love and condolences to Grant, Matthew, Ellen, Jane and families.
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Kahla says
July 31, 2021 at 11:18 pm

I’m extremely sorry for your loss. Irene was an amazing person and mum taken too soon. Thinking of Ellen, Jane, Matthew and Grant. Lots of love k
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  Sharon Jarvis says
  August 4, 2021 at 5:18 pm
  
  Heartfelt condolences to Grant and family. Irene was such a lovely person, always kind and supportive. You will be greatly missed.
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Ros Noyes says
August 1, 2021 at 7:57 am

Irene was a truly beautiful person, a caring and thoughtful friend. Our condolences to Grant and all of her family. Love from Ros and Terry Noyes
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Andy Law says
August 1, 2021 at 7:01 pm

Irene was and always will be a much loved member our Tai Chi family , a beautiful lady in so many ways. Will miss your smile and enthusiasm for life.
Condolences to Grant and family . Love from Karen and Andy Law
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Adam Foster says
August 1, 2021 at 8:37 pm

I always remember Irene for her genuine and generous nature. Loved working alongside her in the Inverloch Primary art room and our impromptu chats about art when our paths crossed around town. Condolences to Grant and all of Irene’s family.
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The Ellt family says
August 2, 2021 at 8:49 am

A private and humble person, Irene may not have realised how many people she had an impact on. She was kind, generous and positive, and had the rare capacity to treat everyone in the same way. Irene was the ultimate quiet achiever. Her warnth and her smile will be missed. Our love and thoughts to Grant, Matthew, Ellen, Jane and families.
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Daryl Hook says
August 2, 2021 at 1:24 pm

What a great mother,friend,dancer,,volunteer andsupporter.Irene set a unique example for us to live our lives by.We will all miss her . I can recall many happy times at Inverloch school when Matthew,Ellen and Jane were assets to the school and a shining reflection of their parents.
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  Ed Thexton says
  August 5, 2021 at 10:07 am
  
  Irene
  I can remember you taking me aside at Yellingbo Primary School and you explaining to me why it was faster to throw the ball at the cricket stumps than run with it. The last time we talked we shared the memory of when Wally Legge brought his bullocks pulling the dray to show us at Yellingbo Primary, our pictured memories perfectly in sync , no interpretations or explanations required. It’s a great thing to have and Irene you will never leave, we just won’t see you quite as much anymore. Tough times for all, our thoughts and emotions are with you especially Grant.
  Ed Thexton and family
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Hilary Stuchbery says
August 2, 2021 at 3:03 pm

I knew Irene through Circle Dancing more recently but she was a beacon of humour and willing involvement when she attended my French classes originally.
I know she meant a lot to many people and we will surely miss her. Please accept my sincere
condolences, Grant and family.
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Carmel Cattach says
August 2, 2021 at 3:49 pm

I will always treasure the memory of introducing Irene (and Jane) to the world of tai chi all those years ago in Inverloch which I ran on a Tuesday on behalf of the Inverloch Community House. She then joined the Wednesday sessions and became a cherished member of our “tai chi group ” which I held at the Anglers Club on behalf of Inverloch Community House.. Later I encouraged her to join PCMA where she continued with her learning of tai chi, Irene – lovely lady with a lovely nature
My condolences to Grant and families
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Gail Franks says
August 2, 2021 at 4:00 pm

I will always remember Irene as a kind, generous and caring lady with an inner light of goodness and compassion. She will be missed so much by so many. Condolences to Grant and all her family.
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Verena says
August 2, 2021 at 5:32 pm

Irene is in my heart and she will pop up in my thoughts many times,
either at Tai Chi, walking to my favorite tree on the Screw Creek track.
She was a very warm, caring and positive presence
My wishes of comfort go to all the family
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Darren Parker says
August 2, 2021 at 9:12 pm

Such a lovely, genuine and caring person. Deepest condolences to Grant, Matthew, Ellen and Jane.
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Marilyn Warren says
August 3, 2021 at 3:55 pm

So so sad to hear this news. Such a softly spoken women and always a pleasure to meet on our walks. Always love to hear what Jane was up too. Heartfelt love to the family. I will always remember Irene. Love Marilyn and Robin Warren
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Bernadette says
August 3, 2021 at 5:35 pm

Irene, my brillant French student for the last 5 years.
Irene, a bright mind, a kind and caring heart, a contagious smile, a lover of nature and the small things in life.
Irene, beautiful and funny.
Oh, I am going to miss your positive attitude, your ‘joie de vivre’.
Irene, pour toujours dans mon coeur.
Au revoir.
Love to Grant and families.
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Patricia Green says
August 5, 2021 at 4:49 pm

Condolences to all of Irene’s family. I remember her integrity and her caring nature.
Am sure she is the only one of my school friends who still has her blazer from her school uniform.

So glad we were all able to be together before Covid.
RIP Irene
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Jo and Ross Tanner says
August 5, 2021 at 5:45 pm

I worked with Irene at Inverloch Primary and I valued her opinions and suggestions in the classroom, art room and beyond but I valued her friendship and camaraderie more. Ross and I spoke to both Irene and Grant just weeks ago at the Farmers Market and she was her usual, optimistic and cheerful self even in the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in at present. My sincere condolences to Grant, Matthew, Ellen, Jane and your families, my heart breaks at your loss. I think the world is a sadder place without her warmth and light. Ross and Jo
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Patricia and Kaye Saultry says
August 5, 2021 at 10:12 pm

So sad to hear this news. Irene was such a genuine, kind, warm person who made you feel so very welcome in her company. We loved catching up with her for a chat on her walks around the town. Inverloch will not be the same without her presence and her friendly smile. Condolences to Grant and family. Trish & Kaye Saultry x
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Ricardo family says
August 6, 2021 at 9:48 am

Shocked to hear the passing of Irene. Our deepest sympathies to Grant and family.
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Emma Mancer says
August 6, 2021 at 9:20 pm

Such an amazing woman. Like a second mum. A kind and caring person. I always think of her when I see a luscious garden of natives.
Thinking of her family during this difficult time. Xx
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Lois Dwyer says
August 11, 2021 at 11:45 am

Sending all my warmest thoughts to Grant and the family. My heart goes out to them in their time of loss. Lois Dwyer