Irene Elizabeth Furr

Mrs. Irene Elizabeth Furr, 88, of Frederick, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2017 at Frederick Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. Born in Frederick on September 21, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Margaret Burger Staley and Carl Clifford Staley, Sr.      Irene had a successful 37-year career as a telephone operator at the C&P Telephone Company. She retired in 1983, gaining the lifelong friendship of many people with whom she worked. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, POOF, and was at one time very active with the Women of the Moose #347. She was a past member of the AMVETS Post #2, where she was involved and gave back to the community. She was a lifelong member of the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ.      Irene loved to cook, sew, garden, and quilt. She was always the life of the party and made everyone laugh. She had a heart of gold and was always there to lend a helping hand. She was like a mother and grandmother to her family.      Surviving her is one brother, Carl C. Staley, Jr. and wife, Julie of Atlanta, GA; a stepdaughter, Doris Tyree and husband, Orman of Virginia; nieces, Cathy Brown; Sharon Keller and husband, Randall; nephews Thomas Staley and wife, Patricia; Wayne Staley and wife, Marie; David Staley and wife, Carolyn; John Staley and wife, Maria; and Michael Staley, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She will be very missed by family and friends.      The oldest of four children, she was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas E. Staley, Sr.; sister-in-law, Audrey Staley; and a sister at birth.           The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. and funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2017 at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick .  The Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel will officiate. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick.       In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Irene’s memory to the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ.