Irene Trefon
May 3, 1941 -
Jun 28, 2026
Irene Trefon, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on June 28, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska.
A lifelong Alaska resident, Irene was born on May 3, 1941, in Nondalton, Alaska. Her parents were Nick and Vera Carltikoff, and Nick Karshekoff. She was the eldest of a large family, so from an early age she was practiced in showing love and care to everyone lucky enough to know her.
Irene married Benny and built a life full of love and respect as they raised five children and served as village leaders. Irene was a long-serving Community Health Aide while she was also a school cook and raising her children.
After the loss of her husband in the mid-80s, Irene moved to Anchorage to find a new way to care for people. She returned to food service, first working in Anchorage before joining her beloved Prudhoe kitchen crew in the early '90s. She worked on the North Slope until her retirement.
Throughout her life, being Mom was the role Irene loved the most. She found joy in sharing her favorite things with family, including travel, time in Las Vegas, Nev., attending concerts and telling stories over a good meal. Each of the many times "I love you" was said to Irene by family, she always replied with her warm and genuine, "I love you more."
Even in times of loss and her own health battles, Irene approached life with a quiet strength and grace that those who deeply mourn her passing hope to emulate. We'll draw on the strength she displayed for us time and again.
Irene is survived by children, Mary Ann (Jim), Betty and Sophia (Mike); siblings, Dolly, Harry, Eleanor (John), Charlie, Anita, Sue, Jeannie (Steve) and Nick; grandchildren, Amy (Aaron), Janine, Kristen, Justin (Shawness), Britney and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Benjamin and Mikella; and numerous extended family.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Benjamin; children, Benjamin Jr. and Gabriel; son-in-law, Dudley; siblings, Thomas, Marka, Edward, Ernie, Charlotte and Kenneth.
Irene was laid to rest in Nondalton next to her husband, children and parents.
