1916 – 2015

RUMFORD — Lillian Mary Irish, of Rumford, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, at the Ledgeview Living Center surrounded by her family.

Born in Rumford on April 14, 1916, she was the daughter of Archie and Delvina Falardeau. Lillian graduated top honors of her 1934 graduating class from Stephens High School. She worked at R.C. Jewelers before marrying Horace M. Irish on June 24, 1935. Lillian and Horace met at Worthley Pond, where they later summered with their family.

The couple raised five children while expanding their neighborhood store, Irish’s Market. Lillian and Horace enjoyed antiquing, playing bridge and playing music with their growing family.

She will be remembered for making candied apples for the neighborhood on Halloween, selling tropical fish at ” the store,” playing cards with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spoiling the family pets. Later in life, Lillian traveled with her friends and family to Alaska, Russia, Europe and the Caribbean, where she celebrated her 80th birthday with her family. She was an active member of the Rumford Mothers’ Club, Rumford Mrs. Club and numerous bridge clubs. Lillian was an avid volunteer at the Rumford Democratic Headquarters, treasurer of the Rumford Community Hospital Auxiliary, a volunteer in the coffee shop of the hospital and a community member profiled in the book, “Rumford Stories.” She was a communicant of the Parish of the Holy Savior.

Lillian is survived by her sons, Lewis M. Irish and wife, Jan, of Rumford, Dennis J. Irish of Randolph, Mass., and Stephen J. Irish of Acton, Mass.; her daughters, Julie A. McDonald and her husband, Joe, of West Lebanon, N.H., Andrea I. Perry and her husband, Bob, of Fort Pierce, Fla.; her grandchildren, Jen Viger Gantrish and her husband, Kurt, of Hanover, N.H.; Torrey M. Viger, and his wife, Suzanne of Enfield, N.H., Matthew S. Irish and his wife, Sarah, of Temple, Andrea Irish Connor and her husband, Rick, of Yarmouth, Donna M. Irish and her companion, Jon Fortin, of Wilton, and Sarah Adley Irish and her husband, Michael Dusik, of Peru; eight great-grandchildren, Keegan, Liam, Benjamin, Nolan and Mason Gantrish, Hillary and Lilah Connor, and Sadie Irish; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lillian is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Horace M. Irish; her sister, Antoinette (Toni) Schuler; her brothers, Archie and Edward Falardeau; her grandson, Scott L. Viger; and her best friend, Theresa Brennick Masalsky.

The family wishes to thank all of her kind caregivers at the Ledgeview Living Center and Dr. Thomas DeLuca and his staff.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.