Irene Julia (née Ledoux) Fitzpatrick, 93, formerly of Nashua, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 23, at the home of her son, Robert, in Holderness, NH, where she has lived for the past three years. She was born in Nashua, Jan. 6, 1927, at Saint Joseph Hospital. Irene was the daughter of Earl Arthur Ledoux and Bertha (Ducharme), and she enjoyed a particular affection for her loving sister, Stella Ledoux, all of Nashua. She is survived by her daughter Jane Fitzpatrick of Nashua, NH; her son James and his wife, Beth (Gallo) Fitzpatrick, of Kennebunkport, ME; and her son, Robert Fitzpatrick of Holderness, NH. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Kelly (Fitzpatrick) and her husband Brian Dinneen of Dunstable, NH, Stacey (Fitzpatrick) and her husband Michael Corsie, of Kennebunkport, ME; Michael James Roy of Nashua, NH; and Master Sergeant Jeffrey Roy and his wife, Aly (Booher) of Arlington, VA. She would want this notice to mention her deep love for her six great-grandchildren. Irene was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, James Leonard Fitzpatrick, Sr. whom she first met while attending Sacred Heart Grammar School. She graduated from Nashua High School at the beginning of WWII.
Irene lived nearly her entire life within walking distance of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a center of lifelong importance in the lives of both her and her husband’s families. Irene was an avid quilter and gardener, but above all, Irene enjoyed and loved people. Before moving to Holderness, she took special pleasure in her involvement in the lives and friendships she made while living in the Sweeney Home on E. Pearl St., the former convent of the Sisters of Mercy.
Irene worked for many years at J. F. McElwin Shoe Company where her father was a founding organizer of the Nashua Chapter of the Boot and Shoe Workers’ Union. His union involvement and his service as a New Hampshire State Legislator inspired Irene with a lifelong sense of political responsibility, a subject in which she was well informed.
Just twelve days before her death, despite her rapidly declining health, and despite the miserable weather, she informed her son she wanted to vote. While he tried to talk her out of it, she informed him, “I’ve voted in every election since Truman, and I’m voting in this one.” She voted, and her nearly ever-present smile was more than adequate proof of her joy and pride in her effort. We will feel her loss.
Relatives and friends are invited to Irene’s visitation on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 from 4-7 at FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 at 9:30 AM in ST PATRICK’S CHURCH, Spring Street, Nashua, NH. Interment will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family.
The family would like to thank those who cared for her in her final weeks. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in Irene’s memory to PEMI-BAKER COMMUNITY HEALTH AND HOSPICE, 101 BOULDER.DRIVE, SUITE 3, PLYMOUTH, NH 03264 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
