Sr. Irene Rheaume, RJM (Mother Massabeille) Sr. Irene Rheaume , 101, of Wellesley, MA, formerly of Fall River died February 16, 2014 at Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley, MA. She was a Religious of Jesus and Mary. Born in Fall River, MA on February 28, 1912 she was the daughter of Edmund Rheaume and Merilda (Bouchard) Rheaume. After attending the former Jesus Mary Academy in Fall River, and St. Clare High School in Woonsocket, she entered the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary on August 15, 1933. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College in New York, her Master and Doctoral degrees from Fordham University also in New York. Sister Irene held various positions of leadership in the American Province during her lifetime serving as superior, principal, province representative at the General Chapter in Rome both as a delegate and as translator, and as the International Liaison for Lay Volunteers. In 1977 she was named Province Archivist, a challenging, yet much needed work. She served faithfully and with courage whatever was asked of her.
Sr. Irene leaves her religious community, and four brothers and sisters, Alexander Rheaume, Lillian Raiche, Fernand Rheaume, and Constance Ouellette of Fall River. She was pre-deceased by seven brothers and sisters: Sr. Jeannette Rheaume, a Sister of Providence, Roland, Roger, Ernest, Alice, Armand and Theresa.
Relatives and friends may visit beginning at 9:00 am at St. Bernadette Church on Eastern Avenue, Fall River on Wednesday, February 19. A Mass celebrating her life will begin at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River.