Irene Calca

85, of Sun City passed away on September 19, 2015, at the Hospice Of The Valley facility in Glendale, AZ. Irene was born on January 14, 1930 in “The Bronx” NY, to Armand Green and Helen Stark Green. In 1944, her family (which now included her little brother, Robert) moved to Los Angeles, CA. Although diminutive in physical size, Irene had a strong personality, and goals that she wanted to accomplish. She attended Hollywood High School, Los Angeles City College, and finally California State University Los Angeles – earning a BS degree in Accounting with a minor in Teaching. She first married in 1952, and they lived in West Hollywood for the next 15 years. Irene gave birth to two sons, David in 1955 and Don in 1958. The family moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1967, where she raised them to adulthood and made sure that they both attended universities and started professional careers. Irene worked steadily as a bookkeeper and office manager until her retirement in 1996. She married Joseph C. Calca in Phoenix, AZ on May 4, 1980. They moved to Bullhead, AZ in 1998, and later to Sun City, AZ in 2004. They have lived in the same home, and with the same truly wonderful neighbors, for all this time. Along with her mother, she had a secret passion for horror movies. Along with her husband, they enjoyed dancing, traveling, watching all types of sports, and being amateur “Pickers” to support their on-going eclectic collections. Irene is survived by: her husband Joseph C. Calca; her brother Robert Green; sons David Happ and Don Happ step-children Cindina Calca and Joseph P. Calca; grandchildren Daniel Happ and Christina Happ; step-grandchildren Jason Pepino, Samantha Calca, Lisa Wilson and Joseph K. Calca; great-grandchildren Landan Happ, Corbyn Davy and Makayla Happ; step-great-grandchildren Giulia Pepino and Alhena Pepino; nephew Michael Green sister-in-law Otilia Calca; cousins John & Gloria Roth; cousin Nathan T. Stark and numerous other step nieces, nephews & cousins. The Calca & Happ families wish to thank the following: The staff at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus for all of their great care and sensitivity, The Hospice Of The Valley for their excellent & vital services – in particular: Bonnie White R.N., Tom Perry M.S., Vanessa Owens C.N.A., and Dr. Sukhjit Singh, All of our friends and neighbors for their help and prayers throughout this trying time. Services will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2015, at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, located at 12420 N. 103rd Avenue in Sun City. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, with the service to follow at 10:00 AM. She will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, following a private family service. The services will be led by Rabbi David Rosenberg from the Beth Emeth Congregation. Irene was raised in orthodox Judaism, but later followed a more reformed path. In accordance with the Jewish tradition, it is requested that friends do not send any flowers. In lieu of flowers; memorial gifts may be made in her name to the Wounded Warrior Project (480-946-0663), or the National Children’s Cancer Society (314-241-1600).