Irene Purser

Irene Daisey Purser died March 16 at her home in Kingston. She was 87.

She was born on Sept. 14, 1922 to Ellen and Peter Jack (Jackson).

She was a member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe and in 1959-60 formed the off-reservation Indians Organization. She was a member of the Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee for 15 years and sat on the tribe’s housing board for 10 years.

She was preceded in death by husband Stanley Lloyd Purser; sisters Shirley, Grace and Hazle; brothers Lester and Ben; parents Peter and Ellen Jack; and sons Robert, Ben and Gary.

She is survived by sisters Rosemary Achberger and Betty Hamlin; children Rose (Robert) Stewart, Ellen (Herman) Price, Don Purser, Ralph (Debbie) Purser, Stanton Purser, Kathy (Conrad) Purser-Sullivan and Penny Purser; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 19 at the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Gym in Kingston, followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. Interment will take place at the tribal cemetery. A reception at the gym will follow.

Contributions can be made to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Food Bank. An online guestbook is at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.