Irene E. York, 95

 

 Irene E. York, 95, died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2913, at the Hyder Family Hospice House.

 Born in Rochester July 7, 1918, she was the daughter of George and Lena (Waldron) Leighton and had lived in this area all of her life. During World War II she served as captain in the Motor Corps; she was also a former chairman of the Junior Red Cross and had been a Girl Scout leader; she was past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star.

 She was very prominent in horse circles and was known for her hackney ponies and was in the Hall of Fame of the United Professional Horseman’s Association.  She was still showing her Hackney’s at the Deerfield Fair at the age of 87 in 205.

 

 She was a member of the Dover Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. She had been very active in the restoration of the Garrison Hill Tower.

 

 Irene started working with the John Emerson Agency in insurance and real estate and became a partner there in 1945; in 1963, she became the sole owner and changed the name to the Irene York Agency. In 1968 she sold the insurance side of the business to the RW Agency. She founded the Strafford County Multiple Listing Service.  Irene will be greatly missed by family and friends for her love of life and many contributions to all.

 

 Members of her family include her brother, Roger Leighton of Strafford; and her son, George, and wife, Laura, of Strafford.  Irene is survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Irene was predeceased by her daughter, Carolyn, and her son-in-law Dana Moore II; and her spouse, James K. York.

 A memorial services will be held in the spring, date to be announced.  Memorials in her name may be made to Seacoast Cancer Center, 789 Central Ave., Dover, 03820, or the charity of one’s own choice.