Irene Anna Parent

Irene Anna Parent (DiMeco), formerly of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, passed away on February 24, 2024, at the Merriman House in North Conway, NH. Irene was born July 19, 1930, in Keene, NH. She was predeceased by Her father, Angelo Giacinto DiMeco, her mother, Erminia Maddalina Cenerizio DiMeco, and her brother, Edward Anthony DiMeco. Irene is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Bruce E. Parent, and four sons and their families: Kevin B. Parent and his wife Brenda, Scot E. Parent and his wife Karen, Mark J. Ross-Parent and his wife Susan, and Brian M. Parent, and her sister-in-law, Coralee DiMeco (Gilmore). Irene loved her family and photos of her grandchildren and great grandchildren covered every surface of her house. Irene graduated from Keene High School in 1948, earned a Bachelor of Education from Keene State Teachers College in 1952, and her Masters of Education from Fitchburg State in 1971. She taught primary education and influenced countless numbers of students in Peterborough, NH, Westminster, Winchendon, and Ashburnham MA. She taught CCD at St. Denis Parish in Ashburnham for nearly 50 years, played her guitar for the seniors group and the folk mass, and sang in the choir. She was Chairwoman of St Denis Parish for 30 years. Irene was interested in everything and was a self-motivated life-long learner. She loved music, played piano and guitar and sang in local chorus groups. She studied Spanish and was versed in American sign language. She enjoyed meeting new people and could converse with anyone, anytime, anywhere. She loved to exercise and was always moving. She loved to cross country and downhill ski, walk, jog, play golf, tennis, she was also an avid gardener, a certified lifeguard instructor and taught swimming lessons. Irene enjoyed line dancing and exercise classes and neighbors remember her hopping and skipping up and down Lashua Road in all seasons. Many seasons were spent on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard worshiping the sun with her favorite auntie, Livia. A graveside service will take place at the New Cemetery in Ashburnham, MA. at a later date. Family requests that donations in Irene’s memory be made to your favorite local charity.