To many, reading a short one-sentence synopsis of Irene Schoene's life would seem unremarkable. Schoene is married, has three children, lives in Fayetteville, is active in her church and is a Realtor. However, toss in the details of her life and Schoene shines.

At age 74, Irene Schoene is one of the top Realtors in Fayette County. Still active and going non-stop, she says that someday she may retire.

Considering the competitive, nature of the real estate profession, it is remarkable that the mention of Schoene's name consistently evokes smiles and praise from her peers. Rosemary Beebe, a fellow Realtor at Re/Max summed up the favorable comments, "Irene is a fine, caring and patient person. She gives so much value for the money she earns and addresses the concerns of those she works for, no matter what."

"Some of Irene's outstanding qualities are her totally unselfish attitude in helping other agents, office staff and others," said Barbara Peason, broker and owner of Re/Max Around Atlanta. "Her very positive personality is always coupled with her smiling face!"

A quick look around Irene's office provides a visible example of the level of service she gives. The office walls are lined with the awards she has earned while working with Re/Max for the past 14 years. She is in the 100 Percent Club, the Lifetime Million Dollar Club and in the Re/Max Hall of Fame. She has earned the coveted Phoenix Award from the Fayette County Board of Realtors.

Like many in Fayette County, Shoene is a transplant, being born and raised in Mulberry Grove, Ill., where her dad ran the local grocery store. "Mulberry Grove was located in Fayette County, Illinois and now I live in Fayette County. Mulberry was originally called Shakerag, which is a well-known name in this area," she said, commenting on the coincidences and parallels in her life.

According to Schoene, "When you got out of high school back then, you had two choices. You got married or went to the big city of St. Louis. I went to St. Louis."

After graduating from high school in 1942, she attended Brown's Business College. After graduation, she went to work for Missouri Pacific Railroad in reservations. While in college she was introduced to her future husband, Karl.

The pair met, courtesy of the owner of the barbershop located next to her father's grocery store. The owner was in the reserves and knew Karl who was in the Navy. The couple dated through her years in college and her first job. When he was shipped out, she moved to Boston to be near him. They were married in 1944, recently celebrating their 54th anniversary.

After completing his tour in the military, Karl went to work for Pitney-Bowes in Stamford, Conn., as a training instructor. The family lived in Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Connecticut and finally settled in Fayetteville, Ga., in 1981. When Karl retired, the couple chose to stay. Irene laughed, "My husband is a packrat. It's too difficult to move now." She also noted the "great neighborhood" as an added incentive to settle.

Irene is understandably proud of her three children. Her son Gary is vice president of United American Sales, living in Houston, Texas. He is married to Sharon and has three girls, their daughter Lisa and twin daughters, Chelsea and Christina, 10, and a son, Mike, 7. Daughter Linda works for the Astrodome booking conventions, parties and other events. She is married to a podiatrist, Dr. Kirk Koepsel and has two children, Kevin and Katie. Daughter Jan Blaink and her husband are both chiropractors. The couple have two children, Carrie, 12, and Andrew, 10.

"I raised my children to be self-sufficient, to exist without me," Irene quipped. "I guess I overdid myself, they live in Kentucky and Texas."

When asked what she considered to be her greatest accomplishment, she didn't mention her work or her work with the local church. She immediately stated, "I raised a good family who're all doing well."

Prior to starting her career in real estate 20 years ago, Irene's family was a central focus. While raising her children and through the many moves, Schoene volunteered and worked as a paid employee for the Camp Fire Girls. During her 20 years with the Camp Fire Girls, she was a Leader, a temporary Executive Director plus she trained adults and children for the organization.

When her last child, Jan, started college, "I decided it was time to do something for me. It turned out I was good at selling real estate, so I stayed with it." When she first earned her real estate license, things were different. She lived in Connecticut where the market was substantially different than the current market in Fayette County. "There were no new houses, the interest rates were much higher so it was more difficult to qualify people."

When the Schoene's were transferred to Georgia and moved to Fayette County, Irene initially worked for Jan Trammel Realty. After three years, she moved to what is now known as Re/Max Around Atlanta All Stars, Inc. in Fayetteville. With Re/Max, Schoene is considered an "independent agent," which means she pays a monthly fee for her office and other ammenities, but she is able to keep all of her commissions. "If you're a self-starter, this is the way to go," she noted.

Talk to anyone in her office and they will tell you she is definitely a self-starter.

In addition to a non-stop work schedule, the Schoene's are actively involved in their church, Prince of Peace Lutheran on Ga. Highway 314 in Fayetteville. The two are original members of the church and have watched it grow to a membership of over 700. They are currently involved in the church's expansion project. Karl is a "Stephens Minister," visiting shut-ins and acting as a care-giver.

When queried about her hobbies she chuckled, "You don't have time for hobbies when you work in real estate. You don't have any time of your own." She did note that she liked to visit her children and take an occasional cruise.

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