Irene McGowan was born in Seattle on October 2nd, 1906, the second of two daughters born to James E.McGowan (1873-1949) and Ella Mae Leathers McGowan (1874-1963).Her older sister was Virginia McGown Struck (1905-1991). Irene went to Roosevelt High School, where her 1924 yearbook stated that her career destination was to be a 'craft artist'.

She attended the Cornish School of Fine Arts, and her first job was as a designer at the lighting firm Bailey, Wyatt & Lynde Co. Irene then worked at the Cascade Fixture Company between 1927-40, and then became the owner of the Harry C. Lynde Co. from 1940-on.

Irene died on April 18, 1995.