Irene was born in Wolseley, on March 12, 1913 and raised in Windthorst with parents Frank and Ellenora Martodam and family of five brothers and one sister. In 1935 her mother and two young brothers passed away within days of each other due to a flu epidemic. Following her school days in Windthorst, Irene worked at various jobs in Winnipeg and Regina. On January 29, 1938 she married Archie Baker in Broadview, and raising her family became a full-time job. Archie passed away in 1985, and on July 6, 1989 she married Ernie Maurer of Grenfell. Following his untimely death a few years later, she returned to live the rest of her life in Broadview.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Archie, husband Ernie, her parents, brothers Dennis, George, Harold, Leonard and Clarence Martodam. granddaughter Tammy, son and daughter-in-law Lynn and Marlene Baker, and her oldest grandson Blaine.

Irene is survived by son Dale (Daveena) Sooke, BC, daughters Edith (Norman) Switzer, Winnipeg, MB, Jean (Bart) Hawkins, Brandon, MB, sons Eddy (Hillary), Brandon, MB and Jimmy (Loretta), Regina, SK, as well as 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren, her sister Bonnie Klimek of Lethbridge, AB and sisters-in-law Vivian and Ione Martodam of Spiritwood, SK.