Irene E. Brown

Irene E. Brown, 80, died peacefully April 23, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Salem, MA, she was raised in Peabody and graduated from St. John’s High School. Her education continued at Bentley School of Accounting, where a two year course of study was completed. Thus prepared, Irene secured a variety of bookkeeping jobs both before and after taking time to raise her family. In 1958, she married her husband, James- September 6, 2012 marked their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary. After living in Cohasset for more than twenty years, the couple eventually became “snowbirds”, splitting time between Cape Cod and Florida.

Irene was an active participant in the community. She held positions in Cohasset on both the School and Recreation Committees; volunteered for a variety of local and national organizations; and especially cherished her time spent with members of the “Birthday Girls’ Club”. An avid reader, she was an extremely accomplished crossword puzzler. Other enjoyments included dancing, traveling, bird watching and playing Mahjong. Irene loved animals- her family cared for a variety of pets over the years- and harbored a special devotion to her Labrador Retriever.

Whether at a hockey rink or playing field, in a school auditorium or across the dining table, Irene was always there to cheer on her children and grandchildren. She made friends easily, possessed a great sense of humor, and will be remembered as someone who could easily make you comfortable.

She was predeceased by her sister Mary and brother Joseph. Irene is survived by her husband James and- daughter Donna Vivado of Centerville, son Matt and wife Karen of Scituate, daughter Heidi (Silverstein) and husband Mark of New Canaan, Connecticut, and son Mark and wife Tanya of East Taunton, Massachusetts. She also leaves the grandchildren that brought her so much joy: Abigail, Kelsey, Emily, Jackson, Colin, Lauren, and Charlotte. Her brothers John and Tom, and sister Helen Gahagan- with whom Irene shared a special bond, continue to reside in the North Shore area, where the siblings grew up together.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, 27 April 2013, from 11:00am until 2:00pm at the Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis. Interment will follow at Beechwood Cemetery, Centerville.

Donations in her memory may be made to the MSPCA of Cape Cod, 1577 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632.