Irene (Zeman) Danforth

September 27, 1924 – April 1, 2016

Life-long Sequim resident passed away on April 1, 2016. Irene was 91.

Irene was born at home September 27, 1924 to James and Amelia Zeman on their 40-acre farm overlooking Sequim Bay. Irene graduated from Sequim High School in 1943.

She married Daniel H. Danforth in Seattle, Washington on October 13, 1945. They lived in the house on West Sequim Bay Road for about 69 years, raising 4 children.

Irene loved flowers, gardening, writing, dancing, singing, Mickey Mouse, and going antiquing. A gifted artist, she painted Christmas scenes on downtown windows. She made costumes for church plays and Halloween. Her talents included great cooking, decorated cakes, and delicious cream puffs served at Royal Neighbor tea and card parties.

Irene loved animals. Cats, Dogs, Birds, Geese, Ducks, Rabbits, Mice and raccoons were always welcome.

Irene was very generous, always helping those in need. She was active in community affairs, and passionate about efforts to preserve Sequim Bay. Irene chaired the 1965 “Keep Christ in Christmas” Committee and was a member of the Little Brown Church where she served as Secretary-Treasurer, and Sunday School Teacher.

The family took yearly camping trips to Eastern Washington when the kids were young. Irene and Dan traveled to Hawaii, Europe, and around the US.

Irene was a Grand Pioneer at the 115th Sequim Irrigation Festival in 2010. Her Mother’s family came to the area in 1888, and her Father arrived about 1898. She had a passion for researching the Zeman family genealogy.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Daniel H. Danforth, her parents, and her 4 sisters, Alpha, Gertrude, Helen and Pearl.

She is survived by her daughters Sandi (Jim) Smith-Cassavaugh of Mesa, Arizona, Vickie (Ron) Meyer of Sequim and Christy Haller of Port Angeles; her son Lawrence (Phyllis) Danforth of Lynnwood; granddaughters Marci and Melanie; grandsons Kevin, Duane, Scott, Erick, Keith and Christopher; great granddaughters Nichole, Baylee and Temperence; and great grandsons Kasson, Brendan, and Nathan.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

The family is forever grateful for the loving care and support provided by the staff at Sequim Health and Rehab.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the Food Bank, Friends of Animals in Port Angeles, or a random act of kindness to someone in need.