Irene Hahn

Hollis Irene Beene Hahn, 88, of Plano, died on May 21, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory near Hillsboro. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday prior to the service.

Irene was defined by her vibrant personality, her care and love for her family, her devout faith, and her sharp wit that seemed to grow more incisive with age.

Born in Hill County, Texas on Dec. 15, 1923 as the fifth of Hollis and Leona Beene's 10 children, she married Oscar Hahn on Nov. 25, 1942. They were married for 59 years before he preceded her in death on April 26, 2002.

Irene is survived by her daughter Gwen Vacek; her son David Hahn; her grandchildren Jeff Vacek and his wife Amanda, Tim Vacek and his fiancée Jennifer Torrance, Megan Hahn, and Ryan Hahn; her great-grandchildren Matthew, Emma, and Hannah Vacek; and her siblings Novell Cornelius, Elaine White, Frances Howard, Thomas Beene, Vera Mae Johnson, Peggy Hunsucker, and Buddy Beene.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Gene Buie and Jimmie Rush; and her son-in-law Dick Vacek.

Irene was forced to show her strength early in her life when Oscar was in a German prison camp for 19 months during World War II. When he returned, they moved to Freeport, Texas, and they spent much of their retirement in Hillsboro.

Irene worked for Sears Roebuck for more than 20 years, much of that in sales, and she even worked in retail during her retired years at the Hillsboro Outlet Mall. Most recently, Irene lived in Plano where she shared her warmth as the Chairman of the Welcoming Committee at Sunrise Senior Living.

She was a faithful member of the College Hill Church of Christ in Hillsboro and the Spring Creek Church of Christ in Plano.

Irene was an expert seamstress and gardener, and she made the best pecan pie in Hill County.