Irene Barbara Morse, 95, of Nashua, NH, died peacefully on August 18, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.
Irene, “Reenee” as family and friends called her, was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua on March 6, 1928, daughter of George and Gertrude (Maddox) Morse. She was the seventh of nine children. Irene is survived by siblings Elaine Cardin, Charles Morse and Betty Rodgers. She was predeceased by siblings: Paul Morse, Raymond Morse, Marion Deery, George Morse and Richard Morse.
After attending Sacred Heart School for her primary grades, Irene graduated from Nashua High in 1946 and went on to a successful thirty-eight year career working for New England Telephone and Telegraph. Her career began as an operator and finalized in a distinguished role in their investigation department. Following her retirement, Irene built a home in Cape Coral, FL, where she wintered for thirty years along with her two sisters and their husbands.
Irene lived an adventurous life that included much travel throughout the US, Europe and Africa. She was pleased to have taken several cruises but also enjoyed the pleasure of simple family drives around New England; always finding somewhere new to discover.
She was civic minded and belonged to several service groups including the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Catholic Daughters of America, the Nashua Senior Center and was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Nashua. Interests included knitting, dancing, playing cards with friends, and attending musicals. She was known for being both a beautiful decorator and a fabulous cook, to which she enjoyed sharing the benefits of these skills generously with anyone who happened to stop by. Not only would the visitor be treated to a delicious meal, but would be engaged in lively conversation and leave feeling content.
Beyond all of her skills and accolades, Irene’s family was of greatest importance to her and they, in turn, loved her dearly. Among her family and friends, she will be most remembered for her giving heart. Irene tenderly cared for both her parents well into their eighties in the family home. She was never blessed with children of her own, but graced the lives of nieces and nephews as a second mother. Irene lived to serve. Her family was continually cared for, cherished and pampered by “Aunt Renee” thought her selfless deeds, unconditional love and the warmest hugs imaginable. She leaves several generations of “her kids”, as she called family, confident in themselves and their abilities to spread the love and care that she always showed them.
Irene spent the final years of her life as a member of the Hunt Community in Nashua, where she enjoyed being social and active among many friends old and new, including family members, Elaine Cardin, Betty and Al Rodgers. Her family is grateful for the wonderful care provided to Irene by the staff at The Hunt.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Monday, August 28th from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Tuesday, August 29th at 9 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Donations may be made to Catholic Charities New Hampshire – Nashua, 3 Crown Street, Nashua, NH 03060 or the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
