Irene Mulkern

Portland - Irene Claire Mulkern, 94, widow of Willis E Mulkern and long time Falmouth resident, died on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Born September 2, 1931 and raised in Windham the daughter of Albert and Sylvia Degruchy Doiron and graduated Windham High School.

In 1952 Irene married the love of her life, Willis “Will” Mulkern. Together they operated Friendship Manor in South Portland for 25 years while raising three boys and devoting herself to her family in Falmouth. They enjoyed many activities together including sailing, snowmobiling, camping, hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing and spending much time at their beloved log cabin in Kokadjo Maine.

In her retirement, she and Will would spend all their time together staying very active including sailing Downeast every summer and never sitting still. They often went out dancing and socializing together. She rode her snowmobile and four wheeler all the way to Will’s passing at 80 years old.

After Will’s passing, she spent time in a bowling league and a member of the Red Hats Society. She continued to go the beloved Kokadjo cabin with her son Mickey and daughter-in-law Lynne and their family. She also enjoyed attending stock car races which her son Scott did for many years. She enjoyed getting her nails done with her daughter-in-law Lynne and granddaughter Taleisha. Her grandson Michael would visit every Monday and Wednesday to play cards with her and the other residents of Gorham House. She also enjoyed her dinners at the Clam Bake with Mickey and his family. Her grandkids called her Grammy ‘Rene and she was the best mother, grandmother and mother-in-law anyone could ask for.

Late in life, she met Lucien Lebel and enjoyed spending time with him and his family. They remained companions until his passing in 2020. His daughter Jeanne Lavoie would continue a warm friendship with Irene until her passing. She is survived by her son Scott W Mulkern and his wife, Vickie of Falmouth, son Timothy B Mulkern of Portland, and son Michael E (Mickey) Mulkern and his wife Lynne of South Portland. A granddaughter Taleisha Hale of Portland, grandson Mike Mulkern of Scarborough, great grandson Cash Mulkern of South Portland, and great granddaughter Anastasia Nguyen of Portland.

She is pre-deceased by her husband Willis “Will” Mulkern, sister Marie Zbinden, sister Lorraine Demmons..

The family invites you to a time of visitation on Monday December 8th from 10:00am to 12:00pm immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00pm at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland ME 04103.

You may offer your condolences or share your memories at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com