Irene LaBrie Underwood

She was born on February 10, 1921, in Keene, the daughter of George J. and Hermina (Joyal) LaBrie. Her mother died while Irene was young and she was brought up by her beloved aunt, Irene M. Joyal.

Irene was a 1938 graduate of Keene High School and went on to graduate from Sacred Heart Hospital School of Nursing in Manchester, NH, in 1942.

She entered the US Army in 1943 and served during WWII as a nurse. She served until 1945 as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army Nurse Corp, stationed at Tripler General Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii.

She married Karl “Gubby” Underwood on October 4, 1947.

Irene belonged to several organizations including St. Bernard’s Altar Society, Ladies of St. Anne Sodality and the American Legion Gordon- Bissell Post #4.

Irene enjoyed hosting family gatherings with all her children and grandchildren. Nana was part of the Underwood gatherings and was present every Sunday. She was an avid reader. Special events in her life included traveling with her dear friend Mary Page.

She is survived by her three sons, Michael K. Underwood of Swanzey, Frank G. Underwood of Berwick, ME and Thomas C. Underwood of Stoddard; her daughter Anne D. Wheeler of Putney, VT; 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; her sister Lorraine C. Conant of Keene; and several nieces and nephews. Irene’s husband Gubby died in 1975.

A graveside service will be held for Irene on Thursday, September 24, 2015, 11:00 AM at the Mountain View Cemetery in Swanzey. Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro St., Keene, NH is in charge of the arrangements (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Irene L. Underwood’s name to Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services, 312 Marlboro St., Keene, NH 03431.