Irene Dolores (Flores) Young, 74, of Colstrip, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, and aunt went with the Lord on January 23, 2022 after a long struggle with kidney disease and the effects of a stroke in 2016. She was born on May 24, 1947 in Blue Island, Illinois to the late Lester “Lefty” & Lola (Vasquez) Flores.
Irene grew up in Blue Island, Illinois along with her two sisters, Mary Ann and Pat. The three played, laughed, cried, argued, and loved each other as sisters do. In 1961, Irene graduated from St. Benedict Grade School and in 1965 graduated from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, both located in Blue Island. After high school, Irene worked at Harris Bank in downtown Chicago for eight years.
Irene loved Hawaii. It was on her third trip to the Aloha State in July of 1973 with some friends that she met the love of her life, Harold “Harry” Young. She wasn’t looking for anyone in particular, but there was something special about this skinny, lonely sailor who approached her at a disco. They sat and visited before taking a walk along Waikiki Beach-a walk that lasted all night and ending with a marriage proposal. Irene’s response to this proposal was, “We’ll see.” That “We’ll see” turned into a long-distance relationship full of letters and collect phone calls that Irene’s parents never knew about. Harold would end these phone conversations with, “I love you” and Irene always responded, “Me, too.” They were married on December 22, 1973; and although Harold promised they’d have at least 50 years together, they gave it a heck of a run with 48 loving years.
After they were married, Irene and Harold moved to Hawaii where Harold was stationed. It was there that their son, Harry, was born. When Harold was discharged from the Navy, the couple moved to Colstrip, MT. This is where they lived and raised all four of their children: Harry, Jack, Kristen, and Lee.
Irene enjoyed watching her children be active in the many sports in Colstrip and drove them around the state for various baseball/softball games and swim meets. In the fall, she would spend chilly nights and mornings watching her sons play football and countless miles attending Speech and Drama meets her kids participated in. She loved that all her kids played in the pep band, and while most cheered on the teams, Irene would cheer on the band. She loved music. Her favorite band of all-time was The Beatles-her favorite Beatle being George. To this day, her record collection contains all of their original records. Another favorite pastime of Irene’s was crocheting. While Harold watched the Cubs on TV or the kids watched their movies, she would crochet scarves, blankets, and sometimes winter caps.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents and her in-laws, Horace “Tink” & Effie Young whom she always called “Dad” and “Mom.”
Irene is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Harold Young of Colstrip, her children Harry Young of Colstrip, Jack (Angie) Young of Harlem, MT, daughter Kristen (Wes) Hinzman of Rapid City, SD, and Lee (Laura) Young stationed in Okinawa, and; her grandchildren: Madison, Gracie, Elijah, and Jackson; her sisters: Mary Ann Schaafsma and Pat Flores-Muller; her nephews and niece: Rick Young, James Young, David Schaafsma, Kari Ann (Schaafsma) Moen, Patrick L. Flores-Muller, Christopher Young, and Travis Young along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
While we will always love and miss you everyday, Mom, this is not a goodbye. To borrow what Dad would often say on his way out the door for work, “We’ll see you when we see you.”
Duane and Sue Allred says
We would like to offer our condolences to the Young family. May Irene Rest In Peace!
Kristy Logan says
May Irene be resting peacefully in God’s hands. My condolences to Henry and the Young family. It was a blessing to know Irene.
Marilyn Watson Dorn says
I am so sorry to see that Irene passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with Irene’s family.
Debbie Young says
Our prayers and love are with you Harold, the kids and grandkids. I couldn’t have asked for a greater sister-in-law. I will miss her dearly. Irene is now in God’s loving hands and she will be taken care of. Love you big brother. You call when you want to talk. We’ll always be here for you.
Joanne G. Schrupp says
I am so sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. She was a dear lady and will be missed. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Brenda & Russ Dotson says
We are so sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
pat riedel says
Harold , Harry and family
sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. she was a very good lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
thinking of you all.
Irene Nelson says
I’m sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Doug & Debbie Skiles says
Harold, Harry, Kristy Jack and families,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Irene. Thinking of all of you.
Saoirse Fleming - Offaly, Ireland says
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. May Irene Rest in peace.
Mary Ann Schaafsma says
Irene I know you are with the Lord, Mom, Dad and other members of our family. I will think of you with your arms open smiling at us. Harry and family please accept my condolences. Irene will always be in our hearts.
Mary Ann Schaafsma says
Irene I know you are with the Lord, Mom, Dad and other members of our family. I will think of you with your arms open smiling at us. Harry and family please accept my condolences. You will always be in our hearts.
Ralph F. Sutich says
To Harol Harry And The Rest Of The Family Laura Kristine Jack I Am So Soory To Hear Of Irene’s Passing She Was A Pleasure To Know May She Rest In Peace In The Loveing Arms Of JESUS PRAYERS FOR ALL OF YOU FOR PEACE AND COMFORT IN THIS MOST DIFFCULT TIME
Jon and Terry Currier says
So sorry to hear of Irene passing, our prayers are with you!
Ann and Dwight Gunnare says
Our thoughts and prayers to the Young family. We were fortunate to meet incredible people while teaching in Colstrip and Irene was such a person. It showed in her children.
Candie says
Harold and family we are so sorry for your lose
We love you and praying for you all❤️
Candie
Nancy Coughlin Luberts says
Irene was and always be remembered in my heart. She was very loving inside and out! She’ll always have a place in my memories and thoughts.
Les & Nancy Brennan says
Harold, Harry, Lee and Family, we are so sorry to hear about Irene’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her at Taekwondo and the library. She was a delightful and devoted mom. May her memory be a blessing.