Mrs. Irene Johnigan was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Her parents were immigrant pioneers who settled in Cheyenne in the early 1890's. She was educated in the Wyoming school systems and within the military structure. She married Robert "John" Johnigan, a member of the United States Air Force on January 16, 1951. They had one son, C. Robert "Bob” Johnigan, Daughter-in-law, Debra and Granddaughter, Jennifer Marie. She was a career civil servant having been assigned to the United States Embassy in Tripoli, Libya and Europe and with the active duty Air Force units at Headquarters, Strategic Air Command, Omaha, Nebraska, Headquarters, 7th Air Division, High Wycombe, England, the Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii, and several positions within the Wing at Francis E. Warren Air Force. She retired as Chief of Protocol, 90th Space Wing, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. She had served the Air Force in various capacities for 39 years. During her tenure with the military, she received numerous high-level awards to include the prestigious Exemplary Civilian Service Award and nomination as Outstanding Air Force Civilian of the Year. She was a key link with local businesses, helping personnel transition into local employment. Mrs. Johnigan was the President of the only chapter of the Air Force Association in the State of Wyoming. As such she initiated numerous recognition programs in many areas. She is widely recognized as a prime catalyst in the extraordinary rapport enjoyed between the base and community. Her promotion of community and military leader involvement has been far-reaching and pervasive. Her tracking of business and civic organizations, who widely give recognition gifts for military quarterly and yearly award winners is a program second to none and emulated by all. She maintained a very strong rapport with senior level civilian and military leaders at all levels. The Air Force Association has recognized Mrs. Johnigan's contributions by the award of numerous awards including the Exceptional Service Award, National Medal of Merit, and Presidential Citation. Mrs. Johnigan's spectacular accomplishments led to recognition as an Honorary Member of the National Association of Missileers. She was a valued member of the Military Affairs Committee of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce and served on the Military Advocacy Committee. She served on the Board of Directors of the Wyoming National Guard Education Endowment Fund. She was totally committed to the support of her community and gave freely of her talents and expertise to promote their objectives. Mrs. Johnigan was also extremely dedicated to her church. She was a member of the Parish Council of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, President of the Philoptochos Greek Ladies Society, was on the church scholarship committee, was a member of her church choir, and was an avid contributor to the Annual Greek Festival.

Irene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her brother John Manelis, her granddaughter Jennifer Marie, her daughter-in-law Debra, and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother George, her son Bob, and her husband John. Irene will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched.