LACONIA - Irene D. Therrien, 93, a resident of the Belknap County Nursing Home, died Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Franklin Regional Hospital following a period of failing health.
Irene was born December 1, 1921 in Berlin NH, the daughter of Eugene and Nathalie (Garon) Dube. She was raised in Jay (Chisholm) Maine. At the age of 16, she went in to be a nun, but due to illness could not stay.
Irene lived in Holyoke Massachusetts for many years, where she worked at many places. For several years her and her husband owned a variety store, which people would come from all over to buy her Italian sandwiches. She made the best grinders ever. When they owned the variety store, they would help a lot of people. When people were laid off from work and going thru rough times, they would donate lots of food, including candy for the children. They were very generous and caring people of the community.
They moved back to Livermore Falls Maine, where Irene retired from Foster Mfg. in Wilton Maine. She was a long time member of the Daughters of Isabella in Jay, Maine. When Irene’s husband died, she moved with her daughter in Laconia, NH. She made several new friends, and loved going to the Community center and Friendship club. She was a communicant of the Sacred Heart Church.
She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Edward (Freeze) Therrien, died November 7, 1986, three step children, Yolanda (Therrien) Morasse of Northfield NH, died May 9, 2013, and Lorraine (Lorrie) Hoskinson of Riverside CA. died June 15, 2013, and Robert Therrien of Palmer, MA, died February 20, 2007, and one step granddaughter Kathy Moses February, 2009, her brother, Bob Dube of Chicopee, MA., and her sister Aline (Dube) Dionne of Saco, Maine.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Charlene and Gene Moses, of Laconia, NH, one step daughter Julie and George Bishop of Alfred, Maine, three step sons, Roland and Therese Therrien of Jay, Maine, Joseph (Buckshot) Therrien of Jay, Maine, and Wilfred Therrien of Milbridge, Maine. Also five step grandchildren, Joyce & Nick Cameron of Gilford, Betty and John Stefanik of Hooksett, Gene Jr and Lorna of Sunapee, Donna Moses of Hill and Danny Moses of White River Jct Vt. and several step great grandchildren, two sisters, Doris Arsenault and Patricia (Pat) Szafranowicz, both of Holyoke, MA., three brothers, Normand Dube of Jay, Maine, Oscar Dube of Manchester, NH, and Maurice Dube of San Angelo, TX. A God Child, Anita Roberts of Lincoln, RI., and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved friends Herman & Sharon Martin of Laconia, Gloria Ladore of Laconia, and Irene Thibeault of New York.
The family of Irene which to give many thanks for the great care she had at Belknap County Nursing Home. The staff is such caring people. They showed such compassion, gave her the personal care she needed like she was family. They laughed and joked with her, gave her whatever she wanted for food, she would always ask for strawberry short cake, and every once in while a staff from the kitchen would bring her one. They have become part of my family, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I am grateful for the visit at the hospital from Shelly and Annette, which put a smile on her face. My mom really truly loved each and every one of you. May God bless you all.
Calling hours will be held from 10:30AM to 11:30AM on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, using the Carriage House entrance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 12 Noon at St. Andre Bessette Parish – Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia.
Reception to follow at the Sacred Heart Parish hall.
Burial with be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Livermore Falls, Maine in the spring.
Donations may be made for transportation and activity needs to the Belknap County Nursing Home, 30 County Drive, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.