Irene R. Tamayo, 80, Dickinson, passed away Friday, January 20, 2012, at St Benedicts Health Center, Dickinson. Irene’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m., Friday, January 27, 2012 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as the celebrant. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, at a later date. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Fr. Joshua Ehli presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Irene Elizabeth Remillong was born on July 29, 1931, in Dickinson, to George and Mathilda (Kary) Remillong. She grew up in Dickinson and attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School, Dickinson Model High School, and Dickinson State Teachers College. Irene was one of five children born to George and Tillie Remillong.

In college, Irene met Al Tamayo and they married on November 5, 1951, at Camp Breckinridge, Ky. When Al returned from the army, they moved to Beulah, where Al began his career as an educator. During Al’s teaching and coaching career, Irene and Al also lived in Mandan, Watford City, and Glasgow, Mont. In 1965, they returned to Dickinson with their three daughters, Pamela, Nancy, and Cynthia, when Al joined Dickinson State College as a college professor. Irene was a wonderful homemaker with impeccable taste and a signature style. In the mid 70s, Irene entered the world of retail and made many lasting friendships with colleagues and customers at The Village Gift Shop and at Rustand Jewelers. Later Irene and Al owned Tamayo Jewelers in Watford City before moving the store to Dickinson.

Wherever they lived, Irene was always known for her classic style, which transcended the decades. Many friends have described Irene as being a “classy and elegant lady” whose friendly smile could warm an entire room. Irene was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had the wonderful knack of making each of her six grandchildren feel special. She loved music and spending time with her family. Over the years, Irene also enjoyed reading, crosswords, shopping, decorating, bridge, golfing, sewing, and chatting with people. Since Al’s passing in 2007, these last four years have been more challenging. Following a stroke at the end of October, Irene became a resident of St. Benedict’s Health Center. During these last months, Irene’s quick wit, iconic style, and caring heart were still evident. We celebrate the many special memories created over Irene’s long and healthy lifetime.

Irene is survived by her daughters Pam (Dave) Stenehjem, Rapid City, S.D.; Nancy (Norm) Dutot, Grand Forks; and Cyndi (Bill) Morley, Parker, Colo.; grandchildren Raquel Hendricks Johngrass, Phoenix, Ariz.; Anitra Hendricks, Wyo.; Daniel Dutot, Grand Forks; and Zachary, Alexis, and Lucas Morley, Parker; great-grandchild Ava; brother, Robert Remillong, Denver, Colo., and special aunt, Angie (Kary) Fettig, Rapid City. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Al on October 29, 2007, her parents, siblings, Roland and Donald Remillong and Jan Hallowell, and special aunt, Pearl (Remillong) Zabel.