Irene Dehaan Hastings

On August 23, 2024, on a beautiful summer afternoon, our beloved mother, grandmother, and wife, Irene DeHaan Hastings, passed away peacefully at her home in Charleston, Utah, at the age of 95.

Irene was born on January 17, 1929, to John E. and Afton Brown DeHaan in Ogden, Utah. The family later moved to a lovely home in Sugarhouse, where Irene spent most of her childhood. At the age of 16, she graduated from high school and soon after enrolled at the University of Utah, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and Speech. During her early college years, she met and married Frank Jay Bardole on September 5, 1949. They settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they raised their five wonderful children: Bonnie, Francine, Teri, Michael, and Richard.

The family also owned a summer home in Charleston, Utah, where they spent many cherished summers together. After many years of marriage, Irene and Frank separated, and she moved to Charleston. Irene began teaching English at Wasatch High School and completed her Master's degree at BYU while teaching. They eventually divorced, after which Irene embarked on an adventure to teach in Italy for a year. She traveled through Europe, often accompanied by her mother, Afton.

Later, Irene moved to one of her favorite places, San Diego, California, where she lived aboard her 56-foot sailboat, spending her days writing and reflecting on her travels. She worked at the San Diego Marina, scheduling charter boats for visitors, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Kenneth Hastings. They enjoyed many wonderful conversations and outings together. Irene then decided to teach English in Monterrey, Mexico, for a year. Upon returning to San Diego, she and Ken reunited and married on June 26, 1982, aboard a charter boat called Rendezvous.

In 1992, Ken and Irene moved back to Charleston, Utah. Upon returning, Irene taught English at LDS Business College, served as an administrator at Salt Lake Community College for four years, and later taught English and writing at Utah Valley State College for 20 years.

Irene was an incredible writer and the author of three books: Grapes on the Vine, Let Them Eat Snake, and The Last Dance. She also taught at several schools in the San Diego area and later founded her own high school for military-bound students who had dropped out.

Irene was a beacon of light and hope in her community, touching countless lives through her teaching.

She cherished her afternoons spent with her mother, Afton, and her two beloved sisters, Lynda and Joanne, often enjoying lunch together. Irene and Lynda were especially close, visiting San Diego to explore tide pools or venturing to Willard Bay in Utah to watch the eagles.

Irene had a deep love for the ocean and all its beauty, enjoying afternoon strolls on Coronado Island or reading under the trees at Balboa Park. She spent afternoons at the San Diego Zoo, writing and reflecting on the world around her, especially while sitting on her favorite bench near the giraffes. Irene adored her family and loved celebrating birthdays and holidays together. She treasured time with her grandchildren, baking cookies after school. Irene was also a talented painter, capturing the beauty she saw in the world. Her warm smile and welcoming “Hello” greeted everyone who came to her door.

She was deeply loved by her writing group, friends, and colleagues. Irene enjoyed taking cruises with her mother and husband, Ken, and she loved taking photos with Ken, often writing about the pictures he took. Irene had five children, 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Irene was preceded in death by her father, John E. DeHaan; her mother, Afton Brown DeHaan; her sister, Joanne Smith (Gordon); and her daughters, Teri Bethers and Bonnie Moore (Jim).

She is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Hastings; her daughter, Francine Bardole; her son, Michael Bardole (Mary); and her son, Richard Jay Bardole (Kristy).

Our dear sweet Irene,

You touched our lives so profoundly. “Thank you for all you have left us—in our homes, in our minds, and in our hearts.” You made the broken look beautiful and the strong look invincible. You carried the weight of the universe on your shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings. Until we meet again, thank you for all your love and kindness.

We extend our deepest appreciation to the Charleston Ward and community for your gracious love and support during this difficult time. To the Relief Society sisters of the Charleston Ward, thank you for your countless visits and the meals you provided.

We also offer our heartfelt thanks to IHC Hospice for your unwavering care and compassion for Irene.

Thank you!

To stream the services, please visit:
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/104030/hash:1DCED2EB61BBC117