(July 31, 1918 – April 10, 2018)
Irene Mary (Arsenault) DeLorme, widow of Ernest Allen DeLorme, died peacefully on April 10, 2018, at her residence at Bay Square in Yarmouth, Maine. Irene was comforted at her side by her many children, grandchildren, other family members, and Bay Square and Hospice caregivers.
Irene was born on July 31, 1918, her mother’s birthday, in Yarmouth. She was the fifth child of Emanuel and Rosalie Arsenault, both originally of Prince Edward Island, Canada. At nearly 100, Irene was the last surviving of the ten Arsenault children. She spent her entire life in Yarmouth, graduating from North Yarmouth Academy and then raising her own eight children. Irene was an amazing mother, and later grandmother and great-grandmother, giving selflessly and loving deeply. In her early years, she worked at various mills and then later for DeLorme Mapping. Her children affectionately called her “Mother Eartha” after the globe at the DeLorme Map Store. She was a communicant at Sacred Heart Church, which her father helped to build. Irene was a skilled blueberry picker and pie baker. She also was an avid reader, knitter, quilter, and crossword puzzle solver. In her last year, she often could be found sitting by the fireplace at Bay Square reading the newspaper, spending Tuesdays out with her dear friend Lorette, or enjoying the company of her many visiting family and friends. Irene’s strong spirit and sharp wit was present right to the end. Her extended village included Deb, Tawni, and Jane whom she adored. Irene was also blessed to be surrounded by the devoted people at Bay Square; they loved her and she loved them. Goodnight Irene.
Irene is survived by her eight children and their partners: Linda Ferreira and JJ of Glastonbury, Connecticut; David DeLorme of Freeport, Maine; Mary Ellen Welch and Ron of Yarmouth; Diane Blanchard and Bob of Auburn, Maine; George DeLorme of Yarmouth; Denise Folsom of Cumberland, Maine; Katie DeLorme and Kevin of Scarborough, Maine; Lisa Sturtevant and Tom of Cushing, Maine. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be Sunday, April 15, 2018, from 3-6 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home in Yarmouth.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 16, 2018, at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church in Yarmouth, followed by the burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yarmouth and a celebratory luncheon at Sacred Heart Church immediately following.
A memorial donation in Irene’s honor may be made to Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine 04096.
