Born in Fairhaven, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Gracia, she had resided in New Bedford for most of her life.
In earlier years, she had worked at Economy Blouse as a stitcher and then as a homemaker following marriage.
Mrs. Soares along with her husband were very active in the Greater New Bedford Little League for 30 years. She enjoyed playing Bingo and the many outdoor family gatherings. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially traveling to their special events. Irene was a diehard Red Sox and Patriots fan.
Her family includes her daughter, Deborah D. Smith of New Bedford; her sons, Gilbert P. Soares, Jr. “Sonny” of Nashua, NH and Gary P. Soares and wife Susan of Harwich; her sister, Josephine Leal of New Bedford; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Mary Araujo, Alvarina Perry, Hilda Desrochers, Elsie Barreiro, Lillian Gracia and Evelyn Gagne.
Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 9am from the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford with a Funeral Mass at 10am in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 4256 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Visiting hours Tuesday 3-7pm. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101. For online tributes: www.rock-funeralhome.com
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