Irene Richardson

DOUGLAS - Irene Rose (Ignatowicz) Richardson , 86, of Douglas passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2017, after a six year battle with ovarian cancer. Irene was the daughter of Frances and Joseph Ignatowicz. She is predeceased by her husband Richard who died in 2008. Irene leaves her daughter Janis Cahill and her husband David of Douglas. Grandchildren Andrew Cahill and his girlfriend Caitlin Small, Brett Cahill, and Sarah Stafinski and her husband Jeff Stafinski. She also leaves a son Gary Richardson of Douglas and his wife Barbara and grandchildren Keith, Kurt and Keri Richardson. Irene also leaves her furry friend Scooter.

Irene is also survived by three sisters, Dorothy Christina of Florida, Rose Morey of California and Theresa Lusignan of Webster, and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her very special friend Nancy Hardigan, her sister-in-law Bev Pelletier and her special nephew Brian. She also leaves behind her Saturday night card friends, whom she enjoyed so very much.

Irene was also known by many children as “Grammy Irene”. She always loved visits from all her little friends and never forgot anyone’s birthday. She was also known as the “mitten lady”. Irene was passionate about making mittens for people less fortunate. She donated hundreds of pairs to many local churches. She always felt God gave her the ability to make mittens to keep so many children’s hands warm. Over the years she has kept thousands of hands warm, which warmed her loving heart. Irene was also known for her “Santa” letters to many children over the last 40 years, which brought her so much joy.

Irene spent summers at her camp on Manchaug pond. She enjoyed playing scat, pokeno and having ice cream parties and sleep-overs with her grandchildren, also known as her “megabucks.” Memories they will cherish forever. She was a member of St. Roch’s Church in Oxford.

Irene’s daughter Janis would like to thank all the amazing people in the gynecological oncology department at Memorial Hospital, most especially Dr. Susan Zweizig, who Irene loved. A special thank you to Susan Patterson of Ovations for the cure for all her visits and kindness. Lastly, thank you to the VNA Hospice of Worcester and her special nurse Regina.

A funeral will be held on Monday, August 14, 2017, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be private at a later date. Calling hours are Sunday, August 13, 2017, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu flowers, please make donations to Ovations for the Cure, 79 Main Street, Suite 202, Framingham, MA 01702.