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MANCHAUG, Mass. - Irene Ann O'Shea, 98, born at Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, died Oct. 4 at St. Camillus Nursing Home in Northbridge. She was loving wife of 61 years to Martin E. O'Shea, who died in 1999.
She is survived by her three children: Richard O'Shea and his wife Marcia of Holliston; Martin W. O'Shea and his wife Susan of Manchaug; and Maureen Jacques and her husband Robert of Manchaug; eight grandchildren: Robert O'Shea and his wife Christine of Harvard, Kenneth O'Shea and his wife Linda of Melrose, Patrick O'Shea and his wife Lindsy of Winona, MN, Timothy O'Shea and his wife Wendy of W. Brookfield, Judith Jacques of Newton, and Shannon Connors and her husband Paul of Princeton;Kim Smaltz and her husband David of Charlton and Wendy Hendrickson of Winchester, MD; 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brothers Lawrence Hughes of Hopedale and Frederick Hughes of Bristol, NH.She was predeceased by her sister Eleanor Smith of Hopedale.
Irene was the beloved daughter of the late Frederick and Veronica (Kelly) Hughes. She grew up in Woonsocket, R.I. and graduated high school there. She was both a good student and an athletic young woman, who enjoyed iceskating, playing goalie in ice hockey, and was even willing to try pole-vaulting. She went on to become an RN at Newport Hospital and worked at the Zanbarano Hospital at Wallum Lake, Worcester State Hospital, and at St. Camillus in Northbridge.
Irene was devoted to her church. She and her husband participated in the building of St. Anne's Church in Manchaug and she was a longtime member of their Ladies of St. Anne's. She volunteered with the Sutton Seniors where she and her husband helped to serve many meals. In early 2012 Irene was designated the oldest living citizen of the town of Sutton and awarded the accompanying Boston Post Cane. She wintered in Florida for many years and enjoyed trips in her retirement, especially to Ireland and Hawaii. Irene's family feels blessed to have lived with her love throughout such a long life.
Following cremation her funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 29 Main St., Manchaug. Cremation burial will follow in Howard Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory may be made to the St. Camillus Activities Fund, 447 Hill St. Whitinsville, MA 01588.
To leave a condolence message for the family, visit jackmanfuneralhomes.com
Comments (1)
Although Irene has left her earthly cares, she will always be with us with her infectious smile, uprorious laugh, and the 4 pm glass of wine. I visited Irene just about a week ago,, and when I came home I told Harry I thought her spirit was going, although she was lucid and we had a good talk about the old days and our families friendship. She called my mother her best friend which I was pleased to hear as our families have always been so close.--Extended family! Love to you all as you put Irene to rest. Francine, Harry & Dawn