Irene Martin Lankford, 93, of Lusby, Maryland passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020.

Irene was born on April 18, 1927 in Duluth, Minnesota to the late Chad and Emily Martin. At a young age, Irene chose to dedicate her life to the Church. As a young lady she became a nun (known as Sister Agnes Regina) entering the Order of The Sisters of Divine Providence at St. Anne’s Province in Melbourne, Kentucky where she spent over 20 years.

Upon retiring from the Province, Irene returned to Solomons where she rekindled a relationship with the love of her life Frederick “Booty” Lankford. The two were married November 29, 1972. Irene soon went to work for the United States Department of Agriculture where she served as a Senior Management Analyst supporting the Food and Nutrition Services Division until her retirement in 1989. After her second retirement, Irene and Booty spent their time travelling all over the country in their RV with family and friends.

Irene was a founding member of SMILE where she volunteered her time as often as she could. She was also a founding member of the Bereavement Committee at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Solomons, Maryland. Additionally, Irene was a member of the Red Hat Club; and was a dedicated parish member at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. She was an amazingly talented artist and musician.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Fred “Booty” Lankford; parents Chad and Emily Martin; brother William “Bill” Martin; sisters Dorothy Womaski and Elizabeth “Betty” Lankford; and stepdaughter Doris Crimmins.

She is survived by her grandchildren James Crimmins (Kate), Bernard Crimmins (Cindy), and Corinne Crimmins (Erik); sisters Mary Ellen Schmidt and Kathy Wolfe; five great-grandchildren: Mia, Sophie, Celia, Jacob, and Evan; and countless nieces and nephews.

The grandchildren would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the multiple family members who assisted in the care of Irene during her final years. Specifically, her niece Terese “Tee” who dedicated countless days to Irene’s care; and her niece Laura who assumed the role as primary caregiver, moving in with Irene to provide 24-hour unconditional care and comfort.