Irene Chaney Galassini passed away on Friday, January 30 and will be dearly missed by many whom she touched, with her sparkling blue eyes and her playful nature. She was born to Emma and Earl Chaney in Douglas, AZ on October 3, 1928. Early on, her family lived in a number of spots in Southwestern New Mexico including Hachita and Fort Bayard. She met Gene Galassini at the old movie theatre in Fort Bayard and married him in 1947. She loved him with all her heart. They lived for most of their married life in Arenas Valley where they raised their family in a loving home she and Gene built and created.

She was a dedicated mother who made sure there was wonderful food on the table each evening when the family sat down to eat. Irene covered the walls with her wonderful paintings. She was quite the artist. Irene spent many years as a nurse at both La Plata Junior High and Silver High where she was a caregiver and confidant of many students. Some of those old students would still stop her when they saw her in town to give her a hug. She probably set an all-time record for the amount of time she spent sitting in the seats at various Bronco and Fighting Colt sporting events. She has also been a member of the Silver City Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star since 1946; Silver City Woman's Club, A Lifetime Charter Member of the National WWII Memorial, River Ladies and lovingly served as a "Pink Lady" Hospital Auxiliary.

Irene is survived by her three children, Gene (Rocky), Reneta and John. Irene has four grandkids, whom she adored. They are Anissa Ford, Riana (Bryce) Eaton and Christopher and Gino Galassini. She also has three great-grandchildren, Brynley Eaton and McKenna and Brayden Ford. Her poodle, Ginger has been her faithful companion for over 14 years. Her husband, Gene, preceded her in death on February 14, 1985. Irene also loved many nieces and nephews, most especially her niece Cheryl Gregory whom she considered as her own along with her children and grandchildren, Todd, Jen, Jennie, Alexandria and Zachary.

The celebration of Irene's life will be on Friday, February 6, at 11:30 at Terrazas Funeral Chapels in Santa Clara. Immediately following the service, she will be laid to rest with her husband Gene at the National Cemetery at Fort Bayard. Pallbearers will be Dr. Hal Hopson, Christopher and Gino Galassini, Harlie Cox, Dane Johnson and LCDR Todd Gregory.