M. Irene Birman, 78
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
M. Irene “Renee” (Barry) Birman, 78, of Mansfield died peacefully on Friday May 30, 2008 surrounded by her loving family at home. She was the beloved wife of the late Wilbur A. “Bill” Birman who passed away on March 9, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Birman were married on November 26, 1950.
Born in New York on December 18, 1929 she was a daughter of the late John B. and Merle V. (Goninan) Barry.
She grew up in Penn and was educated in both Penn and Dorchester schools. In addition to being a dedicated homemaker to her family, Mrs. Birman had also worked as a waitress at the former Fontaine Dickens in Wrentham, Mary Hardigans in Dedham and Edmonds Restaurant in Easton.
A member of The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Mansfield, “Renee” was an accomplished knitter who generously would make newborn and preemie clothing which was often donated to area hospitals. She also enjoyed knitting lap afghan’s for people confined to wheelchairs.
Her other interests including a variety of crafts and she was always curious to learn something new. Mrs. Birman was also an avid gardener and enjoyed volunteering her time at the Mansfield Council on Aging Center. She had made her home in Mansfield for the past 53 years.
She is survived by her devoted children; Diane A. Simpson and her husband John of Norton, Janice M. Mason and her husband Stuart of Mansfield, Barbara J. Ings and her husband Gordon of Mansfield and Arthur R. Birman and his wife Joanne of Mason, New Hampshire. She was the sister of Betsy Ellis of Lake Forest, California and the late John F. Barry, also survived by her cherished 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Tuesday June 3rd at 10:00 A.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral home 55 North Main St. Mansfield. Burial will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday June 2nd from 5-8 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, “Renee’s” family has requested that donations in her memory be made to Beacon Hospice 45 North Main Street Fall River, MA 02720.
For additional information please visit www.shermanjackson.com