DARTMOUTH — Irene C. Tansey passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 6, 2013, at the age of 92.
Irene lived in Dartmouth for more than sixty years with her husband, the late Thomas E. Tansey. One of four daughters and two sons of Andre and Laurina Fontaine, she grew up in the South End of New Bedford, where she enjoyed sailing, swimming, and helping out at the family business, Fontaine's Pharmacy.
After attending college in Texas, Irene moved to Washington, D.C. during World War II, where she worked at the U. S. Surgeon General's office. She returned to New Bedford after the war, where she and her husband raised their family.
Irene worked for more than 20 years at Monroe International, but she will be remembered most for all of her volunteer work and generosity. She was an avid painter, and loved to do watercolors of the New Bedford waterfront and Padanaram Harbor. Her family and friends also fondly remember her annual Christmas Eve parties, which she hosted for nearly 50 years.
She is survived by her sister, Eveline Pilkington of Bourne; her son, Thomas A. Tansey and his wife, Diane of Ashburn, VA; her daughter, Maureen Fanning and her husband, Hugh of Dartmouth, MA; and by a number of nieces, nephews and grandchildren who will miss her dearly.
Irene was predeceased by her daughter, Patricia Tansey, for whom she dedicated many years of support and care.
Her memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 15th in the First Unitarian Church, Union and Eighth Sts., New Bedford at 9:30 a.m., followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
It is suggested remembrances be made in her name to Friends of Buttonwood Park Commemorative Tree Program, P.O. Box 2011, New Bedford, Ma. 02741.