Dear Lisa I was very sad to hear of Irene’s passing and wanted to let you know how inspirational I found her to be. She was a gifted quilter (something I envied) and she was always bright and sparkly when we met. Unfortunately I have to tell you that Phil and I are not able to attend Irene’s memorial ceremony on 18th due to family member concerns. May we wish you well for the future and for Thursday. With our love Sheila an Phil

I was so saddened to hear the news about Irene. Col and I had such happy memories of our friendship with both Irene and Bill, from the time we all met in Singapore to ending up as neighbours in Tunbridge Wells and Langton Green. They we’re such a talented couple - Bill’s fabulous cooking and Irene’s incredibly beautiful quilts. Fortunately they loved to travel, and much to our delight we were able to meet up here again in Australia. Irene was such a dear friend - she lived life to the full, and will be sorely missed. My love and sympathy are with you and all your family. Pat

Dear Lisa I was sad to learn that you had lost your lovely mother and that Irene had passed away, but so glad to read that she had stayed her lovely cheery self right to the end. I met Irene when becoming a member of the quilt exhibition group Hanging Together and loved her, her beautiful work and her happy and and cheery personality. In the last few years I was always so pleased to receive her cards on birthdays and at Christmas and that we stayed in touch. A lovely memory which always makes me smile is a poem she wrote based on Jenny Joseph’s “When I am an old Women”. A copy of it is in my sketchbook and I am attaching a photograph of it although I am sure you know of it yourself. Sadly I won’t be able to attend the Celebration of Irene’s Life but thank you for the invitation. I am sending you my warmest good wishes. Ingrid Press