Irene Joann Usitalo of Federal Way died Sept. 19 in Kent. She was 82.

She was born to Edwin and Vivian Walton on June 6, 1921 in Seattle, attended high school in Silverdale and Highline College. She married Richard Usitalo in 1939 in Kitsap County.

She worked as an administrative secretary for schools and wrote short stories for publication.

She was an active member of the Christian Science Church, Order of the Eastern Star and national and state education boards of office personnel.

Survivors include sons Richard E. Usitalo of Lake Havasu, Ariz., and Clinton Usitalo of Flagstaff, Ariz.; a daughter, Carol Donaldson of Sammamish; twin sister Jean Redpath of Chico, Calif.; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Graveside services were held Sept. 24 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Bremerton.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given to a scholarship fund.