Irene Louise Norton

Norton, Irene Louise of Providence and Greenacres, FL passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 3. She was 81. Irene was born in Providence on April 9, 1927, the daughter of Alfred Leach, Sr. and Eva Clifford Leach. Irene was a long-distance telephone operator and dispatcher for special services for the former New England Telephone for 37 years. She was a member of the New England Federation of Traffic Workers of New England Telephone, a former member of Local 2323 of IBEW, and a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. She was also a member of the Alexander Kay McLellan Chapter 40 and the West Palm Beach Life Members Club. Very athletic in her youth, Irene played amateur softball for the Byrons Newsettes, the Rhode Island Reds, and Cornell Dubelier. In 1947, Irene tried out for the Olympics, vying for a spot on the Rhode Island Cinderella's Track Team. Unfortunately, she spent the prior day at the beach, and her sunburn made hurdling difficult. Irene is survived by her beloved companion Nicholas D'Agostino of Providence; son Robert Wayne Norton, Sr. of Providence; grandsons James Charles Norton III of New York, NY, Robert Norton, Jr. of North Providence, and Michael Norton of Providence; great-granddaughters Hannah and Hailey; and sister Eva Doyle of North Providence. Son James Charles Norton, Jr. and brother Alfred Leach, Jr. preceded her in death. Her funeral will be held on TUESDAY, at 9:45am, from The RUSSELL J. BOYLE & SON FUNERAL HOME 331 Smith St., PROVIDENCE, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in St. Augustine Church, Mt. Pleasant Ave, Providence. A grave side interment will follow in Highland Memorial Park in Johnston. Visiting hours are MONDAY from 4 to 8pm. Those who wish to send flowers, may order green & White flowers fromJephry's Flower Studio, 432 Broadway 401.351.3510 For online expressions of sympathy, visit www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com