Irene “Rene” Santos of Marstons Mills, MA passed away peacefully on September 11, 2023 holding the hand of her beloved husband and “rock,” Frank. This is a massive loss of a precious and talented woman who touched many. Breast cancer was an ongoing battle for Irene for the past couple of decades, though she had many courageous triumphs over it, including a long remission 20 years ago.
A lifelong resident and enthusiast of Cape Cod, she spent most of her childhood in Harwich MA, daughter of Noella and T. William (“Skip”) Vagenas. Irene graduated from Bridgewater State College and became a life-long teacher. Later, she moved to Marstons Mills with her husband, Francis, where they raised their sons, Justin and Darrin.
Irene (or "Mrs. Santos" to her countless students) was a talented, tough, but equally fair and caring woman. She taught that you earn respect by giving respect and if you earned hers, you had an incredibly strong force in your corner. Irene cared deeply about her students and fellow teachers and enjoyed seeing her students grow and have families of their own. Irene was known as a no-nonsense, “tough love” Physical Education teacher at Cape Cod Academy (CCA), where she taught for 33 years. Through teaching and coaching, Irene helped to shape the lives of many of her students, including her sons, even handing Darrin his diploma. Prior to her teaching career at CCA, Irene taught Physical Education and coached the Chatham girls basketball team to the state championship. In addition to teaching Physical Education, she enjoyed serving as an academic advisor to many students and spoke often of her joy of teaching her "Life Issues" classes. After becoming a grandmother, she showed a somewhat softer side, but her grandchildren still saw her strength and named her the "Real Boss" of the family.
Irene loved spending time in the sun at Dowses beach, hosting big family holiday gatherings, listening and dancing to Michael Buble, and painting the natural elements of Cape Cod. Irene was an organized and methodical woman, but was equally free-spirited and felt a sense of connection to many creatures such as hummingbirds, sea turtles, but most of all, a strong connection to dolphins.
Irene was married to her beloved husband Frank for 54 wonderful years. She leaves behind two sons and three grandchildren – Justin and his daughter Elena of Goffstown, New Hampshire and Darrin and his wife Meghan and their two sons, Silas and Quinn, of New Boston, New Hampshire, a sister, Darlene and her husband Vincent Veary of Harwich, nephews Michael and Matthew Veary, and nephew Tyler Morrison. She was predeceased by her sister, Noella “Bim” Morrison, and her parents Noella and Skip.
MAY SHE NOW SWIM WITH HER BELOVED DOLPHINS!
A brief burial service will be held at 10:15 am on September 29, 2023 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery on Connery Avenue in Bourne. Following the service, from 12 to 3 pm, a celebration of life will be held at the Tavern on the Green at Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds (golf course) in Marstons Mills. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cape Cod Academy Scholarship Fund.