Irene A. Cournoyer, 94, of Woonsocket died Wednesday September 19, 2018 at The Holiday in Manville. She was the loving wife of the late Lorenzo Cournoyer. They were married on September 2, 1944 and shared over 65 years together until his passing in May 2010.
Born and raised in Woonsocket she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Felixina (Dubois) Allard. She was a lifelong resident of the city.
Mrs. Couroyer was employed by the State of Rhode Island lunch program and worked for many years at the Bernon Heights Elementary School. In her earlier years she worked in the local textile industry and also at U.S. Rubber.
Irene was a longtime active parishioner of St. Joseph’s Parish. She was a dedicated member of the parish choir and involved in many other areas of parish life and ministry. She was a member of the St. Joseph senior citizens and the Happy Rollers. She was a volunteer at Oakland Grove Health Care Center. Irene had a special gift for music and shared her talent by playing the organ and singing. Along with her husband she traveled to many memorable destinations. Irene played a mean hand of cards and was always on the go, usually to a gathering of family or with her large network of friends.
Irene’s love for her family, her devotion to her church and her selflessness in giving of her time and talents though her volunteer activities is her true legacy.
Irene is survived by two sons Richard N. Cournoyer of Woonsocket and Henri G. Cournoyer of Bellingham. She was the sister of Cecile Shank of Woonsocket and the late Roland W. Allard and Therese Boucher. She is also survived by five grandchildren Donna Marie Schrader and her husband Adam, Jeffrey Cournoyer and his wife Sharon, Matthew Cournoyer and his wife Jessica, Daniel Cournoyer and his wife Jen, and Kathryn Cournoyer, 7 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great- grandchild. She was the mother-in-law of the late Jeannette Cournoyer and grandmother of the late Kevin Cournoyer. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.
Her funeral will be Monday at 9:00 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St. Joseph’s Church, Mendon Rd. Woonsocket. Burial will be private. Visiting hours are Sunday from 4-7 pm.
www.menardfuneralhome.com