Manchaug - Irene Ann O'Shea, 98, born at Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, died Oct. 4 at St. Camillus Nursing Home. She was the beloved daughter of the late Frederick and Veronica (Kelly) Hughes and was the loving wife of 61 years to Martin E. O'Shea, who died in 1999. Predeceased by her sister Eleanor Smith of Hopedale, she is survived by her brothers Lawrence Hughes of Hopedale and Frederick Hughes of Bristol, NH. Irene is survived by her 3 children: Richard O'Shea and his wife Marcia of Holliston; Martin W. O'Shea and his wife Susan of Manchaug; and Maureen Jacques and her husband Robert of Manchaug; 8 grandchildren: Robert O'Shea and his wife Christine of Harvard, Kenneth O'Shea and his wife Linda of Melrose, Patrick O'Shea and his wife Lindsy of Winona, MN, Timothy O'Shea and his wife Wendy of W. Brookfield, Judith Jacques of Newton, and Shannon Connors and her husband Paul of Princeton;Kim Smaltz and her husband David of Charlton and Wendy Hendrickson of Winchester, MD; 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Irene grew up in Woonsocket, RI and graduated high school there. She was both a good student and an athletic young woman, who enjoyed iceskating, playing goalie in ice hockey, and was even willing to try pole-vaulting. She went on to become an RN at Newport Hospital and worked at the Zanbarano Hospital at Wallum Lake, Worcester State Hospital, and at St. Camillus in Northbridge. Irene was devoted to her church. She and her husband participated in the building of St. Anne's Church in Manchaug and she was a longtime member of their Ladies of St. Anne's. She volunteered with the Sutton Seniors where she and her husband helped to serve many meals. In early 2012 Irene was designated the oldest living citizen of the Town of Sutton and awarded the accompanying Boston Post Cane. She wintered in Florida for many years and enjoyed trips in her retiremnt especially to Ireland and Hawaii. Irene's family feels blessed to have lived with her love throughout such a long life.
Following cremation her funeral Mass will be held on Sat. Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 29 Main St., Manchaug. Cremation burial will follow in Howard Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory may be made to the St. Camillus Activities Fund, 447 Hill St. Whitinsville, MA 01588. To leave a condolence message for the family, please visit
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