Irene Ann Clark, 91, of Ashuelot, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, surrounded by the love of her daughters and the caring staff of Cheshire Medical Center.

Born on June 16, 1935, in Winchester, New Hampshire, Irene was the daughter of the late Alexander Erunski and Jennie M. (Habinka) Erunski. She grew up in Winchester, where she built a life rooted in family, friendship, faith, and service to her community.

After graduating from Thayer High School with the Class of 1953, she married James A. Clark on Mat 15th, 1954. In 2004, they celebrated 50 years in a loving marriage before his passing in 2005.

Once her six daughters were in school, she enjoyed a career of over 30 years as a secretary and assistant to Gary O’Neil at Paper Service LTD in Ashuelot. Upon her retirement, she began her dream job as a lunch lady at Winchester Elementary School.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Irene was a devoted Catholic and parishioner of both Saint Michael’s Church and Saint Stanislaus Church. She served faithfully as a member of the parish council and was always willing to lend her time and talents wherever they were needed.

Irene believed strongly in the importance of community involvement. She was part of the inception of the Winchester Star, served as a trustee of the Ashuelot Public Library, and faithfully held the position of treasurer for the Thayer High School Alumni Association for many years. Her dedication and commitment helped strengthen the organizations she cared so deeply about.

Irene embraced life with enthusiasm and faith. She loved spending time on the bowling lanes as a member of a local bowling league or curling up with a good mystery novel or cookbook. Dancing brought her happiness, and she rarely missed her favorite television programs, including The Andy Griffith Show, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, and Family Feud. She treasured simple pleasures, meaningful conversations, and time spent with those she loved.

Above all else, Irene was devoted to her family. She leaves behind her loving daughters, Lori (Matt) Smith, Carleen (Steve) Burdick, Maureen Clark, Karen Romanow, Kim (John) Miner and Jamie (Steve) Gubb.

She also leaves her cherished grandchildren: James Burdick, Aileen Burdick, Heidi Keenan, Shannon Stevens, Joshua Smith, Jennifer Jones, Jutin Schwartz, Travis Schwartz, Renee Miner, Emily Jones and John A. Miner, as well as 20 great grandchildren.

In addition, Irene leaves behind her beloved sister Sandi Carpenter, and her husband Bill, as well as her nieces Darleen Mirnaugh, Lynn Varney, and nephew Mark Goodine and lifelong friends Dorothy Clark, Joe and Eileen Mondello, Roland Campbell and Danny Nesbitt.

Irene was predeceased by her son-in-law Bob Romanow and best friend Beverly Facto.

Irene will be remembered for her warm heart, unwavering faith, sweet smile and the genuine kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her life was one of service, generosity, and love—a legacy that will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she has been welcomed into eternal peace and reunited with those who have gone before her.

She will rest in God’s loving embrace forever.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to either HCS Home Healthcare in Keene New Hampshire or to The Thayer Alumni Association in Winchester New Hampshire would be a lovely tribute to her life and memory.

A graveside service will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Winchester New Hampshire on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, at 9:00am.