Uncrowned Community Builders

Irene was born Irene McLeish in Buffalo, New York on August 31st, 1939, ten minutes after her identical twin Lorine. Their parents were Aaron and Martha McLeish. The sisters had a close bond in this world, interrupted only by Lorine's passing in 2022. Irene and her sister had an older brother, Herbert, and a younger brother, Steven; both of whom preceded Lorine in death. Aaron and Martha raised their children at St. Philip's Episcopal Church. The twins graduated from Public School #74. When it was time for high school, Martha wanted her daughters to attend Bennett instead of East High School, where black students were assigned. She purchased and wore clothes particular to women who provided cleaning and household services to wealthier families. Martha appealed, in person, to the Buffalo School Superintendent to have her daughters enrolled at Bennett, saying that she did this form of day labor for a nearby family. Bennett High School became integrated just a pinch by the twins whose mother actually had her own household assistant.


After graduating high school, Irene attended the University of Buffalo but left when her mother became ill. She then became a model and salesperson for Adam Meldrum & Anderson's (AM&As) department store. In 1962, she married a local drummer, Kenneth Greene, who was also raised at St. Philip's. The couple had 3 daughters, and Irene stayed home to raise them but didn't totally quit outside activities. She taught Sunday school at St. Philip's, crafts classes at her daughter's school, and ran the American Cancer Society's Annual campaign for her area.


When her children were in school full-time, Irene decided she wanted to use her talents to contribute to the household income and returned to work. She returned to AM&As entering their management training program. After 12 years, she applied to the sales department at the Buffalo News, where her husband was employed. The News didn't hire her at first but did eventually call her back to become the first Black female outside salesperson.


After 15 years, Irene retired when Kenny, her husband, had open heart surgery. Fourteen years later, on her birthday; Irene's husband succumbed to his heart issues. During this time of mourning, she was invited to join the board of the Bennett High School Alumni Association. What started out as a social group with meetings at members' residences, morphed into a much more diverse organization with Irene's leadership. She has served as vice president and president for the past 20 years. In that time, the group gained a dedicated room on campus and outfitted the school with uniforms, computers, scholarships, field trips, and a mentoring program. The Alumni Association also raises money at the bequest of the principal for projects.


Irene has spent a lifetime being integral to the successful functioning of her beloved church. She has served as a vestry member and warden. She has chaired fundraising campaigns and the annual summer outing. Currently, Irene is Chair of the Food Ministry committee and volunteers at the St. Philip's food pantry. In mentoring young people at Bennett, Irene encourages students to decide on a goal and to work towards it; even when obstacles make achieving it very difficult.