Irene Ellen Loef

Irene Ellen Loef, 76, passed away on November 10, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on August 21, 1949, in Washington, D.C. and grew up in the surrounding D.C. and Maryland areas. Irene was the youngest daughter of Sidney and Mollie Harris, of blessed memory. She was predeceased by her sister Frances Berger, of blessed memory. She is survived by her husband Sanford, daughter Jennifer (Peter) Forlano, granddaughters Sydney and Molly Forlano, sisters Elaine Blum and Charlotte (Martin) Hirsch, brother-in-law Larry Berger, sister-in-law Beverly Cohen, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Irene was a graduate of the University of Maryland and became a member of the Gainesville, Georgia community following her marriage to Sanford in 1973. In addition to owning The Uniform Shop and Stork & Kid’s World in downtown Gainesville, she was a Camp Fire Girls leader and dedicated volunteer and supporter of the American Cancer Society, planning and leading their local Relay for Life Survivor Walk for several years. She was also proud of her dedication to volunteering at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, both supporting other breast cancer patients in their journeys and in the hospital gift shop.

 Irene was also an avid sports fan and, in years past, could be found supporting the Gainesville Red Elephants, attending Clemson football games, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves and Falcons. She loved musicals, particularly those in the style of Rodgers & Hammerstein, attending many shows at The Fox Theater. Irene also loved writing poems for her loved ones, especially for milestone events. It was such a joy to receive a birthday card with a personalized poem or hear her read her poetry at an anniversary or birthday celebration.

Irene and Sanford took many wonderful trips throughout their lives. There were numerous journeys in their iconic camper, a flight on the Concord to visit Paris and the Rolls-Royce factory in England, many weeks driving back and forth across the United States, and a journey into Alaska’s Denali National Park followed by a drive across Canada. Each trip brought many memories, and of course souvenir t-shirts.

 Above all, Irene’s greatest joy was her family, particularly her grandchildren, Sydney and Molly. Although they lived far away, Irene was able to be a part of their lives by seeing them frequently over video, photos, and annual vacations. Irene especially loved cooking and shopping with them when they came to visit.

 Irene’s love and generosity to her family, friends, and community will live on. She was always a calm, kind, and supportive presence, available for a comforting smile, encouraging words, and open heart to anyone that needed to talk. She will be missed and dearly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

A private burial will take place on November 13 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Tuesday November 25 at Little & Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville, Georgia from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home.

For those that are unable to attend the memorial service on Tuesday November 25, you may livestream the service at https://vimeo.com/event/5523103

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Arrangements are in the care of Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.