Memorial Service Set for Irene Jarvis Crichton, 93, Beloved Eureka Teacher and Community Volunteer

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Irene Jarvis Crichton
June 4, 1932 – April 24, 2026

Irene Jarvis Crichton (93) was born June 4, 1932, in Provo, Utah and died April 24, 2026, in Eureka, California. Her life was long, productive, and full. Irene lived in Eureka, Utah as a child and came to California with her family in 1942. As a youth Irene was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Walnut Creek. She attended Walnut Creek schools, graduating from Acalanes High School in 1950. Irene attended Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington where she was active in student organizations. Irene graduated with honors in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education and a minor in Psychology. She continued her education with graduate work at UC Berkeley while working in the Presbyterian Church Field Office in San Francisco. Irene moved to Eureka, California to take a position as Director of Christian Education for the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka, CA. She worked there for one year where she met Robert C. Crichton. Irene and Bob married in 1958 and raised two daughters, beginning with René in 1960, followed by Susan in 1963. Irene was a long-time 50+ year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka where she enjoyed many personal and family friendships. She was active in numerous roles, including as a church school teacher, a youth group leader, an Elder, and as a member of both the Library, and Church and Society Committees. Irene was instrumental in starting the International Student Scholarship Fund. She especially enjoyed participating in the Voyager and Midship Mariner groups, the Eureka-Tokyo Homestay Exchange Program, and Relay For Life team.

  Irene received her lifetime teaching credential in 1957 and taught elementary school for thirty years in the school systems of Livermore, San Francisco, and Eureka, CA, where she taught for the last 26 years of her career at Jefferson School. Most of her years were spent teaching Kindergarten, which was her favorite experience. When recently asked what she enjoyed most about teaching, Irene said, “I loved reading books to the children. I read to them every day.” She retired in 1993 yet continued her positive influence on Eureka’s children by substituting for a few years. Irene formed lifelong friendships with fellow teachers at Jefferson School. They met several times each year to celebrate birthdays, including the most recent gathering a few months ago. Irene was an officer in the Eureka Teachers Association and a member of the California Retired Teachers Association, National Teachers Association, American Association of University Women (AAUW), a volunteer poll worker, an active volunteer for CASA and the Humboldt Literacy Project. Irene had a particular interest in literacy, democracy, and Hmong resettlement.

Irene loved spending time with her grandchildren. She attended many of their activities in both Eureka and El Dorado County. A favorite for Irene was reading books to all four when they were younger and participating in her grandchildren’s preschool class when visiting. She was happy to be able to attend all four of her grandchildren’s middle school graduations and one high school graduation. Irene achieved a goal she set for herself in 2000 to live long enough to see all her grandchildren grow into adulthood and begin their careers. She was very proud of them and their achievements. Irene loved their visits, calls and updates. She treasured every minute with her grandchildren.

Irene was an avid reader and especially enjoyed participating in her AAUW book group where she made many friends. She was a lifelong learner, reading a wide variety of books throughout her life. After retirement, Irene took several OLLI classes hosted by Humboldt State University. In recent years she joined an online book group with René. They had many discussions about their favorites. Irene always loved discussing books with friends and family. Irene appreciated beautiful music, especially when family was involved. A highlight of her week was on Sunday afternoons when Susan would share her bell choir video. Irene was always ready for an ice cream cone, but rhubarb pie was her most requested dessert. She would trade cleaning up the pie crust mess for a homemade pie going way back to the 1960s when her girls were young. Irene loved growing beautiful flowers, which, in addition to her own enjoyment, attracted songbirds and butterflies. She especially liked tending to her backyard garden and delighted in her grandchildren’s help with planting and watering. She cared about the Earth and was proud to have been involved with the origin and opening of Eureka’s first recycling center.

Irene and Bob enjoyed traveling to new places, both together and with friends or family. Some of their memorable trips were to Tahiti for their 25th anniversary, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Greece, Scotland, England, France, Holland and Norway. They did genealogy research for both Bob’s and Irene’s family histories. Irene was thrilled when they traveled to Greece and met some of her father’s relatives. When not traveling, they walked several mornings a week with the Dawn Breakers, a group of friends from church, who loved to end their walks at a café for conversation, coffee, and breakfast.

Irene touched many lives and was loved by those who knew her. Irene was known for being kind, gentle, fair, peaceful, generous, thoughtful, smart, witty, and loving. In her quiet way she would stand up for what she believed in.

Irene is survived by her daughters and their husbands H. René Crichton and Robert L. Nisson of Shingle Springs, CA;  Susan Lucile Crichton and Daniel Janney of Eureka, CA;  grandchildren Jeremy Joseph Toste (Nichole Bloch), Alexandra René Nisson Smith (Emilio Smith), Spencer Robert Nisson, Jacqueline Irene Nisson;  sister-in-law Darlene Jarvis, former sister-in-law and close friend Donna Jarvis; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Bob; parents Alex C. Jarvis (né Zervos) and Lucile E. Walters Jarvis; her sister Helen Jarvis Stevens; and her brothers Leo A. Jarvis and Rev. Andrew A. Jarvis.

Irene’s family is grateful for the care and compassion provided by Frye’s Care Home over the last year and appreciates the assistance of Hospice of Humboldt during the last few months.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Service, officiated by Rev. Carlotta Vallerga, at the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka (15th and I Streets) on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow in Crichton Fellowship Hall. A private graveside service was held earlier this month at Sunset Memorial Park under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home and officiated by Rev. Rus Kosits.

Contributions in Irene’s memory may be made to Friends of the Humboldt County Library or Hospice of Humboldt.