Irene Grace Larkin

Larkin, Irene Grace (Douchey) of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on November 7, 2017. She was 93 years of age. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John “Jack” J. Larkin. She is survived by her older sister, Dorothy Slimp, of Albuquerque, NM; her sons; John J. Larkin, III and his wife, Rosa, Michael J. Larkin and his wife, Sharon and David S. Larkin and his wife, Jennifer, of Phoenix, Arizona; her grandchildren: Micah, JoAnna, Micaela, Sarah, Matthew and wife, Claire and Marissa; her three great-grandchildren: Logan, Margaret and Penelope and her in-law of 41 years, Margaret Serna. Irene was born to Samuel and Mary Douchey in Omaha, Nebraska. Whether trudging to school in a snow storm, or working as a young single woman at the IRS, she enjoyed a challenge. Following some lively dancing, time at the park and Irish charm, she married Jack Larkin, a young Nebraskan legislator and Navy veteran, in 1949. They moved to Phoenix in 1956 and enjoyed raising 3 boys. Irene enjoyed participating in the faith communities of St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church especially as a member of the Sodality. She nurtured her strong faith through reading about the intersection of faith and psychology, attending classes and participating on the sodality prayer line. Her family and friends remember her lively expressions, sense of humor, keen intellect, tenacity, strong faith, and natural inquisitiveness. After raising and nurturing her 3 boys, she continued to perfect her baking, gardening and cooking as well as using her gifts to navigate her and Jack’s medical needs. Her sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren remember the interest and support she had for their endeavors and experiences. After Jack’s death, Irene befriended both her caregivers and fellow residents while living in small assisted living communities. The family is very grateful for the love and care provided by these individuals. Until her final days, she continued to enjoy observing humanity and entertaining her beloved family. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, November 16th at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix at 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 17th with a reception lunch immediately following in the Fr. Feeney Hall. A private Interment will be held later at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 3100 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85008.