Irene Stone

 

In Loving Memory of Irene Stone (1920–2024)

With love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Irene Stone, a beacon of strength, wisdom, and kindness, and the last of her generation.

 

Irene Stone, a remarkable woman of resilience, intellect, and kindness, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on December 5, 2024, at the age of 104. Her extraordinary life journey was shaped by her dedication to family, her profession, and her unyielding pursuit of knowledge.

Born in Wilton, California, to Edward Ellis Johnson and Charlotte Amalie Erdman, Irene’s early years were spent immersed in the values of hard work and community within a farming town. At just two years old, her family moved to Sacramento, where she grew up surrounded by her loving family and neighbors and working at her grandmother’s store in Wilton. A precocious and curious child, she taught herself to read before entering school, a skill that foreshadowed her lifelong love of learning.

Irene excelled academically, graduating from Sacramento High School and later the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in library science in 1940. Her time at Berkeley was marked by resilience and determination, as she pursued her studies amidst the loss of her mother.

In 1940, Irene married Edward Stone, and they settled in Sacramento. Ed’s military service during World War II took him across the globe as part of the 444th Bombardment Group. During the war, they supported each other through heartfelt letters and Irene cared for their first son Kenneth, born at Ed’s training base in Kansas. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion to family, faith, and service.

After the war, Ed and Irene built a life rooted in devotion to family, faith, and service, remaining in Sacramento, where they raised seven children. Irene’s unwavering love and dedication shaped the lives of her children who went on to succeed in fields ranging from business, military and state service, law and medicine to computing and music. Irene was a pillar of strength and support for her family, providing guidance and care through every challenge and triumph.

Irene returned to work at the California State Library once her children were older, where she rose to prominence as head of the Administrative Legislative Reference Department. Over two decades, she helped modernize state library services, co-founded the Legislative Research Librarians unit within the National Conference of State Legislatures, and authored influential publications that transformed specialized librarianship across California and beyond. She continued to work for the Legislature until she was 85.

Her adventurous spirit remained undiminished throughout her life. She and Ed traveled extensively, visiting Europe multiple times to explore her family’s roots and creating lasting memories with relatives and friends. Notably, at the age of 102, she embarked on what she called “the trip of a lifetime” to London and Southeastern England.

As devout Catholics, Irene and Ed’s faith and community were central to their lives. She and Ed actively participated in church activities, served as docents at the Crocker Museum of Art, and found joy in ballroom dancing. Irene also inspired others through her participation in aqua aerobics, a practice she began at 75 and continued for 25 years, enriching not only her own life but also the lives of those around her.

Irene is survived by her son Kenneth’s wife Linda, her children, Dennis (Nancy), Donald (Rebecca), Kevin (Teri) and Kathleen Stone-Takai, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her legacy extends through generations who have followed her example of kindness, intellectual curiosity, and resilience.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ed, whom she cared for tirelessly during his battle with Alzheimer’s, her siblings, whom she cherished deeply, and her sons Kenneth, Ronald and Terry.

Irene Stone’s 104 years were filled with purpose, love, and service. Her family, friends, and community will forever remember her wisdom, generosity, and the profound impact she had on so many lives.

A funeral service will be held at St. Francis Church, 1066 26th Street, Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Francis Church Pathways to Justice Ministry.

 

Funeral services January 4, 2025:

 

St. Francis Church of Assisi Parish, 1066 26th Street Sacramento

Rosary 10:15am

Funeral 11am

 

St Mary’s Cemetery, 6509 Fruitridge Road Sacramento

 

Burial 1pm