Irene Carnell

Irene was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 7, 1932 to Anne (Salisbury) and Alexander Hamilton. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, James A Carnell of Old Lyme, CT; children; Susan Carnell (Larry Chatfield), Middletown, CT, Diane Bates (Chip), Old Saybrook, CT, Russ Carnell (Patricia), Saranac Lake, NY and Nancy Tiffany (Dave), Lyme, CT and 4 grandchildren Tyler and Lauren Bates & Nicole and Jake Tiffany, sister, Alexandra (Sandy) Tromba and several nieces and nephews.

Irene grew up in Great Neck, Long Island and graduated from Great Neck High School. After their marriage in 1953, Irene and Jim were stationed at various naval bases throughout the country before moving to Connecticut in 1956 and ultimately settling in Old Lyme in 1959.

Irene is best known locally for her 33 years of service as the Old Lyme Town Clerk. Prior to that, she was employed by the former Deep River Savings Bank as manager.

Irene was a member of Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church as well as many organizations during her lifetime, including; Order of the Eastern Star, Scotland Hamilton Clan, Old Lyme Grange, Visiting Nurses Association, Republican Town Committee, and the American Field Service (AFS). She was also a member of the Old Lyme Country Club and Black Hall Golf Club.

She was a long time volunteer at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, an avid bridge player, loved vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard and attending the Highland Games. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, whom she loved dearly.

A service and reception will be held at Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Rd. Old Lyme, CT 06371.on Tuesday, June 18th at 11:00am. Calling hours will be on Monday, June 16th from 4pm to 6pm at the Fulton-Theroux Funeral Service, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme, CT 06371. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association, PO Box 56, Town Woods Rd. Old Lyme, CT 06371.