Irene R. Enderson, beloved wife of Edward Enderson for 56 years, loving Aunt of Danielle and Lynne Enderson, Barry McGee, Mike, Corine, Mike Jr, Tom and Sean Renteria, Kim Kempton, Terry and Susie Saltalamachia. Others include an extended family in the Bay Area and many cousins across the country.
Born in Calumet, Oklahoma, Irene came to Morgan Hill with her migrant farm worker parents when she was five years old. She attended the local Morgan Hill schools until getting a job at the old Granada Theater in 1947. It was there that she met and fell in love with her future husband, Edward. They were married on February 18, 1951. They continued their career in the theater business together when it relocated to the new Granada down the street in 1952, eventually buying the business. Anyone who attended the movies would remember Irene sitting in the glass booth selling tickets until her retirement in 1976.
Irene was a woman of many interests and talents, gaining her cosmetology license in 1960. She achieved her solo flight after taking flying lessons, owned and rode her own motorcycles, and competed in fast-draw competitions for three consecutive years. She served as President of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce for several years. She took painting lessons and became an accomplished artist, displaying her artwork around her home. She was an outstanding and innovative cook, sometimes creating masterpieces that had no recipes. She was an integral part of the ranch where she and Edward lived until moving to in to town in 1989. Their travels included a 10,000 mile roundtrip to adventure to Alaska via motor home, trips to Hawaii, New York, Las Vegas, Texas and Oklahoma. She loved antiques and had fun going to flea markets in the area searching for treasures.
Last, but definitely not least, was her passion for animals, especially her cats, of which she had many over the span of her lifetime.
Irene will be tremendously missed by all who loved her, remembering her generosity and willingness to extend help to others.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 7, 2007 from 4-8 P.M. with a vigil service to commence at 7:00 pm, both at Johnson Funeral Home, 17720 Monterey Street in Morgan Hill. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 8, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. at St. Mary Parish in Gilroy, CA. Interment to follow.
