Lillian Mary Irish

Born in Rumford, Maine April 14th, 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 Mother’s 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, and a former member of the Daughters of Isabella.

Lillian is survived by her sons, Lewis M. Irish and wife, Jan, of Rumford, ME, Dennis J. Irish of Randolph, MA, and Stephen J. Irish of Acton, MA; her daughters, Julie A. McDonald and her husband, Joe, of West Lebanon, NH, Andrea I. Perry and her husband, Bob, of Fort Pierce, FL; her grandchildren, Jen Viger Gantrish and her husband, Kurt, of Hanover, NH; Torrey M. Viger, and his wife, Suzanne of Enfield, NH, Matthew S. Irish and his wife, Sarah, of Temple, ME, Andrea Irish Connor and her husband, Rick, of Yarmouth, ME, Donna M. Irish and her companion, Jon Fortin of Wilton, ME, and Sarah Adley Irish and her husband, Michael Dusik, of Peru, ME; 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.

In lieu of flowers, please feel welcome to contribute to the Rumford Historical Society, 145 Congress St. Rumford, ME in memory of Lillian M. Irish.