SPRINGFIELD – Irene V. (Zabecki) Sousa, 84, of the East Springfield section of Springfield, passed away peacefully at Baystate Medical Center on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Holyoke on January 7, 1929, a daughter of the late Edward S. and Nellie (Paradowska) Zabecki. She was raised in Holyoke, graduated from the former Holy Rosary Elementary and High School and lived in the city until 1953 when she and her late husband, Frank, moved to Springfield. Irene was employed for many years as a banquet manager for Durocher Caterers in Springfield and had also worked at the former Growers Outlet and Bradlees Department Store, both in Springfield. She was also employed for several years as a cook at Saint Mary’s Rectory in East Springfield. Irene was an avid seamstress, knitter and crocheter who was always generous with her talents to many local charities. She was a loyal Boston Red Sox fan and loved music with a special fondness for Jim Reeves. Above all, she was a devoted wife, tireless mother and grandmother to her loving family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank L. Sousa, Jr., who passed away on July 19, 2010. They were married on January 18, 1953 at Mater Dolorosa Church in Holyoke and were blessed with over 57 years of happiness together. She leaves: her loving children, Sister Francine M. Sousa of the Felician Sisters in Enfield, CT, Michael W. Sousa and his wife, Patricia, of West Palm Beach, FL, Kevin B. Sousa and his partner, Dr. Robert McCoul, of Concord, NH, Barbara M. Sibilia and her husband, Richard, of Wilbraham and Gary J. Sousa and his wife, Cynthia, of Winchester, VA; her seven cherished grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas and Sarah Sibilia and Gregory, Stephanie, Valerie and Matthew Sousa; her dear sister-in-law, Claire Zabecki of Holyoke; and her many dear nephews and nieces. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by: her dear sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Roger Airoldi; and her dear brother, Richard Zabecki. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, January 30, 2013, beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 8 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, East Springfield, MA 01104. Her Committal Service will follow the Mass at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Her family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in her memory to the Enfield Montessori School, c/o Sr. Francine Sousa, CSSF, 1370 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT 06082. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com