Irene Dodson (Chapman) Pedro

Irene Pedro, 84, of Pilot Rock died on Monday, January 2nd, 2023, at CHI St. Anthony’s Hospital.

Irene was born on May 7th, 1938 in Milton-Freewater, OR. At age 16, Irene was adopted by Lorena and Gordon Chapman of Pilot Rock and was loved dearly by her family. 

On November 22nd, 1955, at age 17, Irene married the love of her life, Joseph Pedro.  Irene and Joe built their life together in Pilot Rock, OR, where they raised their three children, Joe, Vicki and Dave.  While raising their children, Irene and Joe owned and operated the Harris Drive In, in Pilot Rock from 1964 to 1979. After selling the drive-in, Irene worked at a flower shop arranging flowers in Pendleton. Irene and Joe celebrated 58 years of marriage before Joe’s passing in 2014.

Irene was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and avid golfer.  Irene lit up each room she walked into; her kindness, generosity, beauty, love, talent, and personality were unmatched. Irene spent many of her days at the Pendleton Country Club where she was Women’s Golf Club Champion multiple times and had countless hole-in-ones. When not on the greens, Irene spent numerous hours at her grandchildren’s sporting events, taking care of her yard, exercising, and of course, shopping. Irene was quite the crafter; she loved sewing, crocheting, painting, wood working, quilting, and embordering.

The last few years of her life, Irene lived at Sun Ridge Retirement Center in Pendleton where she made many great friends.  At Sun Ridge, Irene led exercise classes, bible studies and helped decorate for every holiday. With her friends, she was very competitive in chess, card games, and putting puzzles together.

Irene was a born again Christian and attended the Pendleton Baptist Church, she greatly loved her church family.

Irene is survived by her three children, Joe (Gwen) Pedro of Pilot Rock, Vicki (Bill) Caldera of Pendleton, and Dave (Roslyn) Pedro of Pendleton.  She also leaves behind brother Dick (MaryAnn) Grey, brother George (Noreen) Dodson, sister Kae (Paul) Ellis, sister Loralie Widner, sister Joyce Phillips, seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.  Irene was preceded in death by husband Joseph Pedro, daughter Lora Jean Pedro, granddaughter Amanda Jean Pedro, mother Lorena Chapman, father Gordon Chapman, brother Duane Chapman, sister Janice Hascall, and sister Lois Hadden.

Irene’s service will be held at 1pm, Saturday, January 7th, 2023, at the Pendleton Baptist Church at 3202 SW Nye Ave.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Irene’s name to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.pioneerchapel.com