Obituary
Irene Neese entered into eternal rest on October 17, 2024 at her home in Middlemore, Halifax Plantation, Ormond Beach, Florida.
Irene was born in Boston, N.Y. (near Buffalo), graduated from Hamburg High School in 1925, and did local secretarial work until 1938. Having passed a federal civil service examination, she was offered a position in Washington, D.C. with the Department of Agriculture in 1938.
In 1941 the U.S. Weather Bureau began appointing women as weather observers and Irene became the first in the history of the Bureau, stationed in Ithaca, N.Y. and Los Angeles, C.A. Subsequently she left government service and relocated to Buffalo, where she was employed by an attorney who became a candidate for election as a U.S. Congressman.
Upon winning the election, Irene was asked to be his secretary in Washington. This began a 28 year career as secretary/administrative assistant to the three Congressmen who represented Buffalo during those years. She also took evening courses and earned a Master's degree in Accounting.
Following retirement from the Federal Government, she was involved in volunteer activities---mostly political campaigns (notably Gov. Reagan's first two campaigns for President). She also traveled extensively abroad and loved cruises. In 1991, Florida became her home state.
Survivors are her son, John L. Neese (Jack); niece, Nora Portman May; and many grand, great, and great great nieces and nephews.
At her request, there will be no memorial service and burial will be private.
The care of E. Irene Neese is under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond, 733 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, 386-673-1100.