DUDLEY - Irene A. (Shepard) Bacovin, 87, died Sunday, July 3, 2016 at Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge surrounded by her family after a period of declining health. Her husband of 45 years, Thomas M. “Tommy” Bacovin, died in 1997.
She leaves her daughter, Debra Minarik and her husband Robert of Douglas; two grandsons, Todd Minarik, his wife Pamela and children Colin and Ethan Minarik, all of Webster, and Kyle Minarik, his companion Kellie Kavanagh and children Trevor and Lauren Minarik, all of Burlington, NJ; a sister, Norma Taberski and her husband Robert of Thompson, CT; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Timothy Bacovin in 1965, by her brother Francis Shepard and by her two sisters Dorothy Donovan and Theresa Reich.
She was born in Webster, a daughter of Frank and Marie (Daniels) Shepard and lived in Webster and Dudley. She graduated from Bartlett High School.
Mrs. Bacovin was a teacher’s aide at Park Avenue Elementary School for 23 years before retiring in 1998.
Irene was a member of Saint Louis Church in Webster and the PAV Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards. The time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the highlight of her life.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 8, at 11:00 AM in Saint Louis Church, 14 Lake Street, Webster (please meet at the church). There are no calling hours. Donations in her name may be made to the VNA of Southern Worcester County, PO Box 368, Webster, MA 01570 or to Tri-Valley, 10 Mill Street, Dudley, MA 01571. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.