Irene Deans, 92, is a one in a million. In fact, recently, the devoted family history enthusiast completed the indexing of one million genealogical names into FamilySearch.org, enabling people around the world to more easily find information about their ancestors.
Irene is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and millions of Latter-day Saints around the world enjoy tracing their family tree and helping others do the same.
FamilySearch indexing is an online system in which volunteers view a digital image of a record, then type in the names, dates and places listed on that record. Read more: Fast facts about familysearch indexing.
For years Irene has been rising at 5:30 am every morning to sit at her computer, translating old vital records for many hours each day. Irene is the top indexer in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, single-handedly recording 36,000 of the 43,000 names indexed in October 2015.
Church leader Brian Atkinson said, "Irene is the epitome of someone who truly goes above and beyond in all she does. She is an example and inspiration to us all."
The nonagenarian cannot remember how long she has been indexing, but claims it is truly what gets her up in the morning and keeps her going. Irene attributes her fluidity of mind to her indexing and living the Church's health code which requires abstaining from alcohol and addictive substances.
Irene’s hard work does not stop there. For over 40 years since becoming a Latter-day Saint she has provided piano and organ accompaniment in worship services.
Fellow Latter-day Saint, Kaylee Spicer, says, "Irene is so positive and reliable."
Watch videos about family history research and indexing: