Irene A. (Eldridge) Larkham, 87, of Howe Street died Sunday, Sept. 9 in her home after an illness.
She leaves her husband of 65 years John J. Larkham, three sons David J. Larkham and his wife Karen of West Brookfield, Richard J. Larkham of Southbridge and Jeffrey P. Larkham and his wife Rebecca of Newton, N.H., a daughter Nancy E. Larkham and her close friend Jean of Scituate, three brothers Ernest Eldridge and Joseph Eldridge both of Spencer and Arthur Eldridge of East Brookfield, four sisters Mary Kielion of East Brookfield, Claire Fineman of Tampa, FL, Ruth Dann of Kingston and Joan Perra of Indiana, three grandchildren Ethan, Grahm & Luke Larkham.
Mrs. Larkham was born in Worcester, daughter of Ernest and Elizabeth (Gilinsky) Eldridge. She had worked at the American Optical Co. in Southbridge and also at U.S. Rubber Co. in Worcester. During World War II she worked at Wright’s in Warren packing parachutes for the troops. She was in New York City on VJ day. She read to the elderly. She was a member of the Lashaway Senior Citizens. She enjoyed crotchet and was an avid reader.
A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, Sept. 13 at 11:00 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, North Brookfield Rd., East Brookfield. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Evergreen Cemetery in East Brookfield. There are no calling hours. Please omit flowers. Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Church, 121 Blaine Avenue, East Brookfield, MA 01515. J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements.