Irene Molloy had lived in Mammoth Lakes for many years.  Those who knew her  said she was a “very sweet lady” who devoted her time and energy to the community.  Irene died over the week-end from injuries sustained in an accident as she was driving home from her daughter’s San Clemente home.

Irene had spent the Fourth of July holiday with her daughter and family. On Saturday, she was driving home with her pet dog.  The California Highway Patrol said that Mrs. Molloy was on a side street getting ready to get back on Highway 395 in the Independence area.  Officers said that  a Santa Barbara man  was driving a pick-up truck southbound on the highway in the same vicinity.

The CHP said that Mrs. Molloy drove her Chevy Trailblazer directly into the path of the pick-up.  Officers said the man driving the pick-up veered into the next lane and applied his brakes to avoid a collision, but he hit the driver’s side of the trailblazer.

The Independence Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Service responded and extricated Mrs. Malloy from her vehicle.  Independence Fire and Symons Ambulance transported Mrs. Molloy to Northern Inyo Hospital where she died from her injuries.

Friends said Mrs. Molloy served for many years and in many capacities with the Mammoth Lakes Hospital Auxiliary.  She was a weekly volunteer at the Cast-Off thrift store.  She served as Chariman of the Sunshine Committee, involved in many charitable activities.

The pet dog in the accident was not hurt and Mrs. Molloy’s daughter is reportedly looking for a home for the dog.  A funeral mass for Irene Molloy is scheduled for  the Dana Point area.  Family members may hold a local memorial in Mammoth Lakes in August.

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