Irene Duncan

Irene Maria Hendrika Duncan, 74, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at her home in Blaine, WA, after a courageous four-year battle with pancreatic cancer.  After a month-long hospitalization and additional surgery, Irene was able to return home at the beginning of September to receive in-house hospice care along with daily health care from her neighbor, Suze Dunbar, an experienced hospice caregiver.

Irene was born in Tilburg, The Netherlands, on September 14, 1950, the second daughter of Martin and Zofia Van Belkom (Czuba).  At the age of 10, Irene, her parents and five brothers and sisters, all under the age of 13, immigrated to Appleton, Wisconsin, in the United States.  Despite the culture shock of such a substantial move and not speaking any English, the children in the family were able to quickly learn enough of the new language during the summer to be able to attend regular school in the fall. Having attended only Catholic primary schools in The Netherlands with its strict adherence to academic studies, Irene was able to begin her new school year in the appropriate class level that she would have attained had she not immigrated to the United States. 

Irene completed her schooling in Appleton, Wisconsin, as well as in Chicago, Illinois, where she graduated from college with a Teacher’s Credential. After graduation, Irene worked as a High School Teacher in the Chicago area.  Irene was married to Monroe McDaniel (1974-1980) and has a daughter Marcie and two stepchildren Michelle and Mark McDaniel.

At age 34 Irene and her daughter Marcie, together with sisters Anne and Yvonne Van Belkom moved from Wisconsin to California to start a new life.  In California, Irene put herself through law school and practiced law until she retired.  Irene married Dennis Duncan in Vancouver, WA, in 2006, and the couple moved to Blaine, Washington shortly after their marriage.

Life in Washington for Irene and Dennis was full of adventure and travel. They were very involved with the Birch Bay Village Yacht Club, especially when Dennis became its Commodore in 2012, and both Irene and Dennis were kept busy organizing special events, numerous boat trips and assorted dinners for the club members.  Irene and Dennis Duncan were active in the Birch Bay Village (BBV) Wine Tasting club, the BBV Yacht Club, and the Semiahmoo Yacht club. They both loved their Navigator yacht and took many voyages to the surrounding San Juan and Gulf islands.

Irene was known for her intelligence, caring attitude, and determination to do the right thing.  She was raised Catholic and never lost her willingness to help other people.  Her tenacity and focus towards solving problems were well known.

Irene was always able to come up with great ideas for her and Dennis’ own social calendar.  This included a wonderful Holland America Cruise to the Caribbean while Irene continued her cancer treatment.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Zofia Van Belkom (Czuba) and her stepson Mark. She is survived by her husband, Dennis Duncan, her five siblings: Anne Van Belkom, Yvonne Van Belkom, Edward Van Belkom and his wife Christine Van Belkom, John Van Belkom, Tony Van Belkom, and daughter Marcie Zinger, (son-in-law, Christopher) Zinger and grandchildren Zofia and Asher Zinger.

The family and I would like to thank Irene’s care team at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle for their excellent life extending care that gave Irene an additional four years. Special thanks to Irene’s friend and neighbor Suze.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Foundation Cancer Care program.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Foundation Cancer Care program