Irene Kay Armand was born November 18, 1949, in Paradise, Calif., to Joel and Patricia Pittman and entered her reward peacefully at home on June 19, 2023. Irene was the eldest of nine children between her parents. Irene moved to Hoopa in 1962, living in Jackson’s Trailer court. Irene attended Hoopa Valley High School and worked at the Hoopa Jolly Cone.

Irene met the love of her life through a mutual friend in 1963, John Armand. Irene and John became inseparable and got married in 1966.

Irene graduated from Napa Valley High School, where she and her husband, John, had relocated for a time. After graduation, Irene went to Napa Beauty School and became a licensed cosmetologist. Irene was a hairdresser in Napa, Vallejo, San Pablo, and eventually back in Hoopa. Irene enjoyed hairdressing and maintained her license up until her death.

Irene was a hard worker and maintained employment throughout her life. Irene and John moved to Wisconsin in 1979, where she worked for the Trek Bicycle company. Eventually, Irene and John moved back to Hoopa in 1984, where they resided until her passing.

Irene was hired at Bigfoot Lumber, where she began to learn bookkeeping skills. Irene was a quick learner and self-taught bookkeeper, which became her career. She worked with the Hoopa Valley Tribe until she retired from the Public Utilities Department. Irene loved her PUD crew and especially enjoyed her walks and talks with Mary Biondini.

Irene had a love of the arts and enjoyed drawing and calligraphy. Irene was also very into computers and technology and always made beautiful certificates for the church.

Irene growing up was introduced to the Christian faith and attended church regularly as a child. At the age of ten, Irene gave her heart to the Lord. Irene was a woman of faith. Irene loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. Eventually, God and Irene won over John to the faith, and in 1986, they went into Youth Ministry at the Hoopa Assembly of God.

Irene was invited in 1987 by a group from the church to Japan; this was a life-changing trip for Irene. She often talked about the barriers and how different the plumbing was there. Irene enjoyed her time in Japan, especially with the people from her church.

In 1994 John began pastoring the Hoopa Assembly of God, and Irene was by his side as a helpmate. Irene and Juan didn’t have children of their own, but those that entered the church became their family. Pastoring over a church for almost 29 years in the Hoopa Community has been one of the most remarkable journeys of Irene’s life. (Previously the Assembly of God Church in Willow Creek.)

Irene is survived by her husband, Juan Armand. Irene is also survived by her sister Doris Pittman, brother Brice Rodgers and wife Sandy, sister Cheryl Appel and husband David, sister Terri Ackley and husband Jim, brother Joel Pittman Jr. and wife Lois, sister Holly Pittman, brother Richard Pittman, and brother in law Chester McIntosh and wife Julie.

Irene is preceded in death by her father, Joel Pittman Sr, mother Patricia Rodgers, stepfather Jay Rodgers, brother Phillip Pittman, and brother Douglas Pittman.

Pallbearers: Brian McIntosh, Byron McIntosh, Rodger Sanderson, Wally Morton Sr., Raymond Baldy, Robert Baldy, Raymond Baldy, Riley Baldy, Chago Moon, Antonio Correa, Aaron McIntosh, Brian McIntosh Jr, Gary Riley, Jon Blake II, Rick Sanderson, Chester McIntosh.

We want to apologize if I missed anyone. It was not intentional. Irene loved so many people who were very near and dear to her.

Services will be held at the Hoopa Assembly of God on Tish Tang Road on July 1, 2023, at 11 a.m., with a reception at Pookey’s Park on Loop Road in Hoopa. The reception is a potluck, so please bring your favorite dish.

Irene enjoyed and loved to support Redwood Adult Teen Challenge. If you would like to send donations, please get in touch with Redwood Adult Teen Challenge at info@redwoodtc.com.

###