Irene Medoff, a former longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away on December 19 in Fallbrook. She was 82. Born on August 19, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Irene stayed in Pennsylvania until she met her future husband, Maxwell Craig Medoff, after World War II. They met in 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was employed as a medical technician at the university hospital. They were married on December 20, 1947, in Philadelphia and moved to Boston a year later so that Craig could attend Harvard Law School. In 1951, they moved to California, and after looking from San Diego northward, they selected Pacific Palisades as the ideal place to live, raise a family and work. They also lived for a while in Brentwood. Craig practiced law from 1952 until 1990, when he retired and the couple moved to Fallbrook. Irene was always active in numerous civic, community and volunteer activities. In the early years, she became affiliated with the Palisades Methodist Church through the young adult group. She also volunteered with the Las Doradas charity organization, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She was an avid card player, bridge in particular, and belonged to several bridge groups. Irene also loved to play tennis and working in her garden. Being a homemaker and entertaining brought her great joy. When the Medoffs moved to Fallbrook, Irene continued to serve diligently, with great love and pride, in The Angel Society and on its board of directors, and as a member of P.E.O. She also was a charter member of the Avocado Belles of the Red Hat Society. Irene was a courageous, warm and loving soul, who was dedicated to her family, friends and community. She never said a harsh word about anyone. Irene was generous, forgiving, embracing, hardworking and a role model for being a mom and a humane person. She was grateful for everything God gave her. In addition to her husband Maxwell, she is survived by her daughter Stephanie Lynn Medoff-Jay (husband John Bruce Jay) of Laguna Niguel; son David Douglas Medoff and his fiance Darlene Somer of San Diego; granddaughter Sasha Marie Medoff Jay of Laguna Niguel; and nieces Virginia Rau of Pennsylvania, Beverly Work of Washington, D. C., and Georgia Keil of Virginia. A private memorial gathering will take place at the Medoff home in Fallbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s name to The Angel Society of Fallbrook. P.O. Box 1408, Fallbrook, CA 92088.
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