Through those 75 years Irene grew up into a lovely young woman, married, raised two beautiful, smart, intelligent daughters, and brought them up in the nurture and wisdom of the Lord—as her parents had done with her and her brother Clem. (Clem and Ethel Landau are long-time, faithful members at the local Nazarene Church). John and Anna Landau, Irene’s Godly parents served faithfully as teachers, elder (John) and deaconess (Anna). In young adulthood, Irene developed her musical gifts. For many years she was our pianist and organist, serving in the music ministry faithfully and sacrificially. I will always especially remember a solo that Irene so movingly sang in our worship services long ago, “The Stranger of Galilee.”
I personally had a relationship with Irene in her music ministry when I was choir director, song leader and did special music. For years she spent many hours assisting me, and we became close friends during that time. Irene also spent many hours helping my children, Joe and Bobbi. She helped Joe to develop his marimba playing ministry and helped Bobbi in her singing and eventually with directing music groups in ministry. Our church family (as well as the Hicks family) is indebted to this Christian servant for her consistent, ever-ready and available investment in lifting up the message of Jesus in music and worship.
Irene is widowed now, but she and Bob raised two lovely, talented daughters, Eloise and Francine. Eloise lives in the San Jose area currently and is busy serving in her church there. Francine was the one who won the “Name Our Camp Contest” held many years ago when the Christian Churches purchased and developed a campground in the Sonora area. Francine submitted the name HEAVENLY HILLS CHRISTIAN CAMP, and this camp continues in busy, quality ministry to young people today.
I also want to mention a valuable contribution Irene’s daughter Francine made to FCC when she organized and developed the beginning of our church library. Her degree in English Literature equipped her for this important work and she served countless hours of work and creativity in making our library one of the most outstanding church libraries around. As Irene “phased out” of the music ministry, she began helping Francine with the library and they worked together until later Irene became our librarian. She served in this capacity for at least 10 years. You may recall many poems written by Francine which have been printed in our church newsletter—these are always a blessing to all who read them.
Yes, Irene is one of the faithful who is “still around.” You will see her in the Joyful Go-Getters each week, quietly taking part. She attends worship service most Sundays and is usually at the Encouragers’ potlucks twice a month. Her faith is evident in her quiet consistency and her beautiful smile. Look for her and thank her for her life and example of faithfulness.
Earlier in this article, I mentioned one other who is the longest member of our church body. This is Bertha Barracco who due to ill health is no longer able to attend. But Bertha has been a member of this church since January 1, 1928. Bertha is confined to her son’s home now and you could send a note of encouragement and gratitude for her faithfulness to:
Bertha Barracco
c/o Larry & Mary Barracco
1206 Nielsen
Napa , CA 94559
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