Irene Elizabeth Giffin, age 72, from Hagerstown, MD, was known fondly as "Miss Irene" in childcare circles. She passed into Heaven on Saturday, February 11, 2023 after a long struggle with diabetes and lung issues. She was born and raised in Hagerstown, but spent most of her adult years in the Martinsburg, WV area where she owned and operated "Miss Irene's Child Development Center(s)" and "Miss Irene's ClubHouse Kids, Inc." After retiring in 2008, she moved back to Hagerstown.

She was preceded in death by her most beloved parents, Bill and Gloria Giffin, and her brothers, Lewis W. Giffin and Ralph E. Giffin. Oh, what a party must have broken out when she got to heaven to be with them!!

She is survived by her brother, Bill Giffin and his wife, Kristina, from Florida; sisters-in-law, Donna Giffin from Rawlings, MD, and Judy Giffin from Ocean Pines, MD; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by her two children whom she completely adored, Amy Brooks and JR Saunders. Amy and her husband, Gary Brooks, gave her three wonderful grandchildren, Zack, Noah, and Sophia who she dearly loved. JR found his true love, his wife, Jaroana Morales, while stationed in Florida with the Air Force. Jaroana's son, Mahtahc, is a delightful part of their trio. She has five great-grandchildren who always put a sparkle in her eye.

Irene had three very dear friends for 35+ years: Ruth Dubrowa who taught her everything about raising goats and chickens as well as sharing life with Marcie Kemner whom she loved in spite of her being a Democrat, and her oldest friend (since birth) is Dee Bikle Moore. Irene enjoyed her times with her GIRLIE GIRLS, a diverse group of women she graduated with and have known for 50+ years. Irene was her happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and dear friends.

Irene founded several organizations, Miss Irene's Child Development Center(s), and Miss Irene's ClubHouse Kids, Inc., both located in WV where she provided care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. She was also Director of Hobby Horse Childcare & Montessori Center. It is estimated that she touched the lives of nearly 15,000 children and families in her 38 years in the childcare field.

She was a certified Interpreter for the Deaf for nearly 40 years. She founded "Deaf and Friends Fellowship". Interpreting was a desire of hers from the ripe age of 10 years old. For several years, she was also the Director of Youth for Christ in Washington County.

She was a founding Board Member of the Boarman House in Martinsburg. She volunteered for Berkeley County United Way and for a shelter for abused and neglected women and children in Martinsburg. She was a member of the Washington County Coalition of Lutheran Churches.

Irene graduated from North Hagerstown High School in 1968, and she attended Hagerstown Junior College and Shepherd University. She loved high school, not because all that she learned, but for all the "really cool social times – especially the dances!"

She taught sign language at Lord Fairfax College, James Rumsey, and Shenandoah University. She often interpreted church services for various denominations.

She was a member of Haven Lutheran Church in Hagerstown and enjoyed the friendship and comfort she received from everyone at Haven. She loved the Lord and all the goodness that comes from being a Christian.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Haven Lutheran Church, 1035 Haven Rd, Hagerstown. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery. The Rev. Linda Alessandri will officiate. Friends are encouraged to gather at Haven Lutheran Church next to Rest Haven Cemetery following the ceremony to share in refreshments and conversation.

Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, C/O The Commission on Aging, 140 W. Franklin St., Hagerstown, MD 21740.