Irene R. (Tarca) Holigan

Born in New Britain, CT and raised in Berlin, CT, Irene was the youngest of seven children of the late John and Theresa (Bonalina) Tarca.

Irene settled in East Berlin, CT to raise her two children. She worked as a waitress at the Makris Diner in Wethersfield, CT for several years. Irene spent the rest of her working career as a courier with the US Postal Service in Cromwell, CT for over 20 years. She later opened her own diner in New Britain, CT for a short time. She moved permanently to the Cape in 1987 and settled in West Yarmouth, MA.

Irene was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to have family gatherings, enjoyed cooking, hosting and spending time with her family, and was an animal lover and adored her dogs. In the winter, she looked forward to her Florida trips.

Irene was always the life of the party and loved people, always taking interest and finding the best in them. She would walk several miles from West Yarmouth to Hyannis in the mornings to her favorite breakfast spot and made friends wherever she went.

Irene is predeceased by her daughter Jane Perry and her 6 siblings Santina, Peter, Aldo, Fred, Anita and Mary. She is survived by her loving son Donald J. Holigan of Hyannis, her adored granddaughter Rachael Holigan Clough (husband Ryan) and her cherished great-grandchildren Nolan Clough and Weston Clough of West Barnstable who were her everything.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. at Doane, Beal & Ames, 160 W. Main St. in Hyannis. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, consider memorial contributions to MSCPA Cape Cod Animal Care & Adoption Center, 1577 Falmouth Rd, Centerville, MA 02632, https://www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/cape-cod-adoption-center/