Irene Lehan

Irene Elizabeth Lehan died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, after a long illness. 

Born in Malden, MA to Margaret C. (Mahlstedt) Lehan and George R. Lehan, Irene was raised in Vallejo, CA. She graduated from Vallejo High School in 1962 and from San Francisco State University in 1966.

As the daughter of a widowed mother, at a young age Irene was often left with the responsibility of looking after her three younger sisters. She excelled at most things she attempted including synchronized swimming, waterskiing, and softball. She loved gardening, bird watching, hiking, camping, bread baking, family get togethers, and more. At one point in her life she raised chickens, raised and milked goats, and used a spinning wheel to spin wool into yarn for knitting and weaving. She was an avid reader and animal lover. Her pets were family. 

Over the years Irene worked as an elementary school teacher and full-time homemaker and mom of two daughters. She finished her career as a Senior Benefits Specialist/System Administrator at SRI International in Menlo Park, CA. In her retirement she lived in Landisville, PA.

Irene’s survivors include her two daughters, Susan (Fleming) Gookin and her husband Brett Gookin, and Jennifer (Fleming) Overly and her husband Doug Overly; her grandchildren Ian Gookin (Noor Bouzidi), Beth Overly, Aidan Gookin, and Adam Overly; her sisters Patricia Lehan, Theresa Lehan (David Lang), and Margaret Lehan (Larry Kirk). She is also survived by a niece and two nephews (Paul, Darcy and Christopher), and extended family and friends.

She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and wonderful laugh, her love of the outdoors, especially places with water, and her love of all animals.

In lieu of flowers, please consider reaching out to an older person in your life to keep them company or give them a helping hand.