Obituaries

Irene Elizabeth Irish

Irene Elizabeth Irish EPSOM — Irene Elizabeth Irish, 89, of Epsom, New Hampshire, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, after a period of declining health. Irene was born on Dec. 7, 1930, to the late Ira and Astrid Cunningham, in Medford, Massachusetts. She was also predeceased by three brothers, John, Tom and George; and in 2015, by her husband of 65 years, Roland Irish Jr. Irene grew up in Medford, Massachusetts, and graduated from Medford High School in 1948. On Nov. 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 Co. and ballet costumes for a dance company in Massachusetts. 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, New Hampshire, 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, New Hampshire. She then worked at Epsom Manor and various nursing homes in New Hampshire and Florida 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. Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad St., Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.

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