Irene Speare

Irene Speare

August 4, 1928 - September 12, 2013

Funeral Service

Sunday, October 13, 2013, at 2:30 pm

Levy Chapel

4525 Bissonnet

Bellaire, TX 77401

Irene Zita Lois Speare, 85, passed away on September 12, 2013, Houston, Texas. She was born and raised in Massachusetts, the third child of Albert and Anna (Covner) Freedman. She received a BA from Western College for Women (now Miami University of Ohio), did graduate work at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, and later earned a Master's Degree in Teaching at Boston College. Irene was a teacher at North Cambridge Catholic High School for many years. She was married to Irwin Speare for 40 years and they raised their family in Newton, Massachusetts. She relocated from the Boston area to Houston in 2003.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Irwin Speare; brother, Gabriel Freedman; and sister, Maxine Beller. She is survived by three children: Nancy Sheiman (Jon), Eric Speare, and Allen Speare. She is also survived by grandchildren Michael (Aaron Michelle), Joshua (Maegan), Julia, and Sam, and two great-granddaughters, Isabella and Laila. She was a very dedicated family member and close not only to immediate family but also to many of her nieces, nephews, and cousins. Irene had an exceptional sense of humor, a fine memory, and a generous and lively spirit. With her caring nature and genuine interest in others, she befriended people in all walks of life. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, people may contribute to the non-profit that manages a group home that serves severely developmentally disabled individuals (including Irene's son Eric) in Massachusetts:

> Dare Family Services

> 265 Medford Street

> Suite 500

> Somerville, MA 02143

If interested persons would include an accompanying memo/ note stating that the donation is for the Mt. Vernon Street Program and the donation is in memory of Irene Speare, it would be appreciated.