Irene B. Mann, 103, a longtime resident of Wilbraham, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2011 at Reeds Landing in Springfield where she had resided the past 10 years. Irene was born in Methuen, MA in 1907. At an early age she moved to Lawrence, MA and was a graduate of Lawrence High School in 1923. Upon graduation she wanted to go into nurse's training but her family thought she was too young and, therefore, she spent a year in a finishing school in Boston before training at the Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA to fulfill her dream of being a nurse. She was an outstanding student and loved what she was studying .She graduated with honors three years later and the hospital hired her as a nurse. This was the beginning of a remarkable career, Irene continued to study during these years and she ultimately received her Master's Degree in Nursing and then a Degree in Hospital Administration. Coming up through the ranks, she became the Assistant Administrator of the hospital. A position she held for 11 years. She then finished an illustrious career as the Administrator of the hospital until her retirement in1957.This was especially unusual for a woman in these times. Upon retiring she moved to Wilbraham to be closer to her friends. Eventually becoming restless with retirement, she applied for work at Wesson Memorial Hospital and was immediately placed in charge of in charge of Central Supply for the entire hospital. She happily remained at Wesson for 15 years. Irene pursued her lifelong passion for books and reading. She was an avid sports fan, spending summers rooting for the Boston Red Sox. Irene was a longtime member of Wilbraham United Church. The Porters, as well as Irene, were especially appreciative of the almost weekly visits by friends from the church to take Irene to lunch to brighten her day. This continued for many years. Irene leaves her special friends Bud and Nancy Porter, Jeffrey, Amy, Cody and Mackenzie Porter all of Wilbraham and Scott Porter of Jackson Hole Wyoming, and the Hugh and Emily Dee Evans Family of Chelmsford, MA. The Porters give special thanks to the outstanding staff at Reeds Landing for their remarkable and loving care of Irene during her many years as a resident. A memorial service is Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 1:30PM at Reed's landing; 807 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield .Burial is at the convenience of the family at Woodland Dell Cemetery of Wilbraham. In lieu of flowers donations in Irene's memory may be sent to the Wilbraham Public Library, Crane Park Drive, Wilbraham, MA 01095 Arrangements have been entrusted to Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield.
Published in The Republican from April 27 to April 28, 2011