Irene Marie Poirier, a hard-working and resilient woman, passed away on October 23, 2025, at the age of 100. Irene was a resident of Rumford, ME, and was known for her dedication to her family and community.
Born on December 20, 1924, Irene grew up in Rumford, where she attended St. John's School. She cherished spending time with her sisters during her early years.
Irene married Alphonse Poirier in 1947, and together with other family members, they built a camp in 1949 on Roxbury Pond. They raised their two daughters, Sharon M. Welch (Ron) and Rachael M. White (Paul), in Rumford.
Throughout her career, Irene worked for Diamond International in Peru, ME, and at Freddie's Restaurant in Rumford. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. John's Church, where she was actively involved in the community.
Irene had a passion for knitting and crocheting and enjoyed playing cards. In recent years, she found joy in visiting casinos.
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon and Rachael; her grandchildren, Brian M. Gallant, Heidi M. Gray (Dan), Ben J. White (Elizabeth), Alison M. White, Kris Welch and his children Caden and Vinnie, and Brian Welch (Theresa) and Zoey; her great-grandchildren, Dylan Gallant (Barbara), Claudia Cobleigh (Matt), Riley Villemaire (Matt), Eleanor G. White, and Vivienne Irene White; and her great-great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Gallant and Avery Cobleigh. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Perry.
Irene was predeceased by her parents, Marc and Agnes Arsenault and her ten brothers and sisters.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on November 14, 2025, at 11:00 am at St Athanasius Church, 126 Maine Ave, Rumford, ME. Committal Prayers will follow at St John's Cemetery in Rumford at 12:15 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parish of the Holy Savior, 7 Brown Street, Mexico, Maine, 04257.
The family extends their gratitude to Med-Care, Woodlands Memory Care, Rumford Hospital, and Andwell Health Partners. Special thanks go to Camille, her live-in caregiver for the month of September.
