Irene Paula Hawley

Irene Paula Hawley, age 64, passed away on Friday April 3, 2015. Irene was born on July 16th, 1950 in Atchison, KS to Eugene S. and Thea L. Berry before moving to Wellsville, KS and later to Shawnee, KS where she graduated in 1968 from Shawnee Mission West High School. It was during her high school days she met, fell in love, and later married Lester Hawley in 1969. They remained best friends and companions until her death. Irene had many interests and notable accomplishments in her lifetime. She was a beautiful child, always ready to entertain and be of help to her mother. She learned to play the trumpet as a teenager and was proud to become the only girl to make 2nd chair in her high school band. After graduation and marriage, Irene and Lester moved to Denver and started their family there. Job opportunities brought them back to Iola, KS for a time before settling in Kansas City in their current farmhouse on the outskirts of town. Irene was initially a stay at home wife and busy mother of their two boys, Ryan and Abe. She managed to bake bread every day, raise goats, keep a charming home, and developed a love for gardening that turned into a lifelong passion. She became a master gardener in 1987 and remained actively involved with the organization for 28 years. Some of her fondest memories were of the friendships she developed with fellow gardeners, visiting greenhouses, gardens, and the organized group trips she was able to go on. Those trips were a highlight in her life. Irene was hired in 1986 by the city of Overland Park to work at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. She eventually became Supervisor of the Farmstead. It was her dream job - The perfect mix of all things; Farm, Garden, and Animals. She loved her job and was able to lend her vast knowledge and experience during her career there. She truly dedicated her life to the animals, gardens, events, employees, and visitors of the Farmstead. She was proud of her early contribution to the success it garners today. Her family, friends, and colleagues recognize the devotion she had for her job. Irene was diagnosed in 2006 with metastatic breast cancer. She initially had success with various options for treatment and continued to seek treatment until there was nothing left to offer her. She was always brave and remarkable. To all of us she was a true example of courage, beauty, and a tender spirit. She is preceded in death by her father, Eugene Stephen Berry, her adoptive father, Eugene Randall Shores, paternal grandparents Helen and Orall Berry, maternal grandparents Paula and Johann Brendel, and her beloved german shepherd, Beirka. Irene is survived by her husband Lester Hawley, son Ryan Hawley, and son Abram Hawley. Her mother Thea L. Shores, sister Jules Shores, brother John Shores, sister Thea J. Richard. She has many extended family members and nieces and nephews who will fondly remember their sweet Aunt Irene. Irene asks that we be kind to all living things, feed the birds, and plant a garden. Her memory lives on when we honor her life by finding joy in the simple bloom of a flower and living a well-balanced, purposeful life. A visitation will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. A small service will be held April 11th, 10:30 AM, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, 219 S. Oak St, Garnett, Kansas. Burial will immediately follow at Springfield Cemetery in Garnett, Kansas. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com The family would like to extend a Thank You to all the Healthcare Professionals who cared for Irene throughout her illness. Hospice House was invaluable to her, please consider a donation to their deserving organization.