Irene R. (Lemieux) Fiorentino, 96, to be 97 on August 3rd, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18th at Shrewsbury Rehab and Nursing Home.

Irene was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Michael V. Fiorentino, the love of her life, in 1997, and her cherished youngest child, Tina M. Howard, in December 2024. She is survived by her son, Michael D. Fiorentino and his wife Janet of Oxford, her daughter, Nancy A. Russo, with whom she resided in Millbury and son-in-law David Howard of Oxford. Irene was the proud grandmother of four: Angela Fiorentino, Diana Fiorentino, Jason Michael Howard, and Brian Howard and one great-granddaughter Eleanor DiBonaventura. Irene’s love extended to her step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, who held a special place in her heart.

She was also predeceased by her mother, Mildred Morin and father Edward Lemieux, three sisters: Doris Dunlop, Beatrice Lemieux, Yvonne Curran and seven brothers: Ernest Lemieux, Edward Lemeiux, Raymond Lemieux, Armand Lemieux, Leon Lemieux, Joseph Lemieux, and Charles Lemieux

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Shrewsbury Rehabilitation and Nursing Home for their kindness and compassion.

Irene was a devoted stay-at-home mom during her children’s early years. As they grew older, she worked part-time jobs before discovering her true passion—jewelry making, particularly crafting earrings. She sold her creations online, at yard sales, and at flea markets, always pricing them modestly because her true joy was in the process of making them. Up until May of this year, before breaking her hip, Irene continued to make her earrings for hours each day. She remained resilient and full of life, never slowing down in her passion. Throughout her life, she enjoyed summers at her campground in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, with her family and friends. She also enjoyed her travels across the United States and Europe with her husband and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Skip Howard, who were their steadfast companions.

Family and friends are invited to remember Irene’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Wednesday, July23rd from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Mulhane Home, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

Irene will be celebrated by a brief funeral service following visitation at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home with burial in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave, Paxton, MA. Following the burial will be a life celebration lunch at Val’s Restaurant, 75 Reservoir St, Holden, MA.