Irene France Hallet, 78, passed away Sept. 22, 2006, following heart surgery at Providence-Swedish Hospital.

She was born in Seattle on June 15, 1928, to Frank and Irva Hallett. She was raised and attended school in Burien and graduated from Washington State University with an MS in Physical Education. Her first teaching position was at Mead High School near Spokane. She returned to the coast in 1955 where she taught at Port Townsend. In 1956 she began teaching phys ed and coaching interscholastic co-ed tennis at Highline High School. She established the first Washington State Invitational Tennis Tournament for Girls in 1971. She later became the assistant executive director of the Washington State High School Activities Association, where she was instrumental in establishing the girls high school athletic program.

She was a member of NEA, WEA, Highline Education Association, WAHPER and AAHPER. Irene was a former president of the Highline Retired Teacher's Association and a volunteer for the Des Moines Food Bank for the last 10 years.

She is survived by many friends and family including Virginia Greenlee and cousins Michael Yantis, Cheryl Raff and Barbara Meismer, and their families.

Irene's retirement was filled with saltwater fishing, clamming, crabbing and boating. She enjoyed driving her motor home and made many trips around the U.S. She cherished her affiliation with Cascadia and Roving Campers. Her love for sports included the Mariners and she was a Seahawk season ticket holder for 28 years.

A Memorial Service was held Sept. 29 at the United Methodist Church in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in donations to the Children's Hospital Foundation, M/S S-200, P.O. Box 50020, Seattle WA 98145-5020.