Irene Barrese

Millbrae – Irene V. Barrese, 77, of Millbrae, Ca, passed peacefully in her sleep on Friday the 21st of July.

Irene was born in November, 1939 in Shanghai, China to Vladimir Alexandrovich Slobodchikov and Olga Yaroslavovna Teltoft. Her childhood was spent in Harbin, China where she attended a Russian School. As a teenager, Irene immigrated to San Francisco, California where she forged a flourishing and abundant life.

As a graduate of Mt. Zion School of Nursing, Irene achieved an accomplished career as a Nurse Practitioner doing what she loved most, helping others. While continuing to raise her children and working outside the home, Irene made the bold decision to change her career and return to school. She received a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from The University of San Francisco, and was admitted to The State Bar of California in 1985. She successfully founded The Law Offices of Irene V. Barrese, and continued practicing law until her passing.

A devoted mother, grandmamma, wife and prominent member of the Russian community, Irene exuded love and compassion to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and gracious nature, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her beloved family, dear friends and ever-expanding circle of loved ones.

She is survived by sons Serge, William and James, daughter Katherine, nine grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, her sister Angelina, and a very loving extended family.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband and partner in life, Felix Barrese.

Panihida (memorial service) will be held at the Church of All Russian Saints, 744 El Camino Real, Burlingame, CA 94010 on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 7PM

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, July 26 at 10 AM at the same church, followed by burial and a wake at the Serbian Cemetery, located at 1801 Hillside Blvd, Colma, CA 94014.