Irene (Ridlon) Oak

Irene “Rene” (Heighton) Ridlon, Oak, passed away July 18th 2017 at the age of 96, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on October 23, 1920 in Clinton, MA the daughter of the late Henry and Millie (Langille) Heighton. Irene was predeceased by her first husband Howard R. Ridlon and second husband Joseph H. Oak, her son Frederick “Ted” R. Ridlon and siblings Jackie, Collin, Victor and Gordon Heighton. She is survived by her daughter Karen Ridlon Tamilio of Andover, her sons Victor (Carol) Ridlon of Lynn and John (Kathleen) Ridlon of Rhode Island, and her sister Muriel Forbes of Nova Scotia, Canada. She was the cherished grandmother of Andrea Ridlon-Jarmie (Stephen) of Rhode Island, Kristine Ridlon Apicella (Michael) of Hopedale, Jo-Ann Tamilio-Almaraz (Thomas) of Andover, Charlene Tamilio of Florida and Kevin Ridlon (Jillian) of Framingham. She also leaves 9 great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews as well as her beloved pets and wonderful friends also survive her.

Rene loved her monthly trips to Foxwoods with her Lynn Bus group, making her last trip in May. She also loved traveling and her most recent vacation was to Las Vegas where she enjoyed playing “let it ride”. She loved visiting family in Denmark, Nova Scotia, and taking trips with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as an avid reader, a talented knitter, and a lover of Absolute and bingo. She was a kind and generous woman and all were blessed who knew her. Family and friends are invited to Rene’s visitation on Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 4 – 8 PM at Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn, MA 01904. There are no funeral services and private burial will take place at a later date. In-lieu of flowers, donations are requested to: Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970. Please visit www.cuffemcginn.com for directions, or to sign the on-line guest book.