LEWISTON – Irene E. Lessard, 97, of 100 Campus Ave., formerly of 15 Jeffrey St., died Friday, Oct. 1, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, following a short illness.

She was born on March 9, 1907 in St. Jean P.Q., the daughter of Joseph and Eva (Leboeuf) Laliberte.

She had been living in this community since 1923. She received her education in the Canadian school system.

Irene was a member of Holy Cross Parish, the Ladies of Holy Cross, the Holy Cross Prayer Group, the Horizon 55 and the Covenant 50.

She was the widow of Ovila Lessard, whom she married Nov. 12, 1928, and who died on March 21, 1948.

She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Armand Cecile Belanger, of Lewiston, Mrs. Muriel Bernier, of Lewiston, Mrs. Daniel Jeannine Vachon, of Hallowell, Mrs. Donald Georgette Derosby, of Lewiston, and Rev. Sister Claire Lessard, of Bound Brook N.J.; one son, Mr. Raymond Lessard, and his wife, Yolande, of Livermore; one brother, Mr. Gerard Laliberte, of Lewiston; two daughters-in-law, Connie, widow of Robert, and Dell, widow of Donald Lessard; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sons, Robert and Donald; three brothers, Robert, Gaston and Eloi Laliberte.