Irene Elizabeth Irish, 89, of Epsom, NH, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, after a period of declining health.
Irene was born on December 7, 1930, to the late Ira and Astrid Cunningham in Medford, MA.
She was also predeceased by three brothers, John, Tom and George. In 2015, by her husband of 65 years, Roland Irish Jr.
Irene grew up in Medford, MA, and graduated from Medford High School in 1948. On November 6, 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Roland.
She had been at times a bookkeeper, a salesclerk, a seamstress and an LPN. While a young mother, she stayed home sewing clothes for the Ginny Doll Company and ballet costumes for a dance company in MA. At various times, she belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, was a Girl Scout leader, a golfer, a bowler, and she was always there to help others.
In 1963, Irene and Dick moved to Claremont, NH, where they raised their five children.
In 1969, Irene decided to go back to school; in 1972 she graduated as an LPN from the Claremont Tech. She then worked as an LPN at Valley Regional Hospital until 1988 when they moved to Epsom, NH. She then worked at Epsom Manor and various nursing homes in NH and FL until she turned 72.
Irene enjoyed a variety of crafts and left many quilts, x-stitch pictures, paintings, doll clothes and knitted items for others to enjoy.
She is survived by her sisters, Marie and Anne and her younger brother, Ricky. Her daughter, Deby (Paul) and her family who helped Irene for the past 11 years. Also, three sons, Chris, Randy, and John; daughter, Wendy and their families. She leaves 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and her best friend, Pat.
A special thank you to the wonderful staff of Epsom Manors, her home health aides and the nurses and doctors on 3 South at Concord Hospital.
At Irene’s request, there will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Epsom Bible Church.
The Stringer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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