Irene H. Berzinis

Irene was born January 2, 1921 in New Bedford, MA to Michael and Agnes Abisala. Along with her brother Edward, she spent her childhood in Bridgewater, MA, and she graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1939.

Irene married Stephen M. Berzinis, Sr in 1941, settling in Brockton, MA where they raised two sons. Irene thoroughly enjoyed family life, and she was proud to provide care to her mother and mother-in-law in their later years.

Irene was employed by the City of Brockton, working as a clerk in the City Auditors office until her retirement in 1985. She and Steve relocated to West Chatham and spent many years enjoying Cape Cod together during their 65 year marriage.

Irene was an accomplished cook and baker, and she enjoyed nothing more than hosting family and friends for a holiday meal or summer cookout.

She enjoyed expanding her horizons through reading, and she took great pleasure identifying the many birds that would visit her backyard feeders.

In her mid-80s, Irene joined the “Busy Fingers” knitting group at the Chatham Council on Aging, and she appreciated the jokes and stories the “young” members would tell each week.

Irene was a generous and religious person who took great comfort from her Catholic faith. She had a kind word for everyone she met, and she was a graceful and dignified friend to all who knew her.

Irene is survived by her sons: Stephen M. Berzinis, Jr and his wife Mary of Brewster, MA and Barry J. Berzinis and his wife Mary of West Townsend, MA; Grandchildren Kyra L. Berzinis and Kevin M. Berzinis of Brewster, MA; Nephews Richard, Robert and Russell Abisala; Nieces Joanna and Laura Birch; Sister-in-law Norberta Abisala.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Stephen and her brother Edward Abisala, her brother-in-law John J. Birch, sister-in-law Eleanor Birch, and her dear friend Alice Mendonca.

A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 11:00am at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 57 Highland Ave, Chatham, MA. Visitation prior the service will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Rd, Chatham, MA from 9:30am to 10:30am. Burial will be private.

Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Chatham Fire Association or the VNA Hospice of Cape Cod.