Irene F Harper

Schenectady - Irene Harper passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2021 following an accident. Irene was born and raised in Schenectady, NY, the daughter of Leo and Irene Fountain. She graduated early from Mont Pleasant High School and she joined the US Air Force to follow her sense of adventure and patriotism where she served as skilled aerial photographer. You can see her story at the Women in Military Service for American Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. She was invited to the opening ceremony in 1997 that included a visit, as a guest of honor, at the White House. Retired from her accounting job at the Schenectady Community College, Irene biked up to 100 miles per week on both roads and in the Adirondacks Mountains. She loved to tease her daughter and granddaughter when she passed them on the hills and they had to meet her when she was already at the top. Irene was an avid traveler and she had many exciting adventures in Korea, Macau, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, Russia, Italy, Sicily, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Canada, St Martin and Cuba. Her favorite times were times spent with her son Scott, daughter Shannon, granddaughter Ruby, and, big fur boy Bruno. Irene’s granddaughter, Ruby, called her “Bisou” (little kisses). Irene and Ruby enjoyed all types of fun together: hiking, biking, swimming, and their competitive bowling nights. They loved to explore together when they found deserted houses or undiscovered back woods. Irene was a wonderful mother and loyal friend. She was kind, generous and thoughtful to everyone she met. She will be missed by those who knew her, but most of all, she will be missed for her delicious chocolate martinis and amazing sense of humor. There will be no services for Irene at this time.