Irene O. Smith, 80, of Derry, NH, died Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA surrounded by her loving family. Born in Los Angeles, CA in 1943, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Mary (Cordova) Marks of Falmouth, MA. Irene had been a resident of Derry since 1967, formerly living in Cambridge, MA.
Irene received her LPN nurse training in 1964 at the Shepard-Gill School of Practical Nursing, Boston, MA, associated with MGH, and her RN in 1978 after obtaining an associate degree in nursing at NH Technical Institute. Initially, she worked in Boston area hospitals and at MIT. In New Hampshire, Irene worked as an operating room nurse in the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, the Nashua Memorial Hospital in Nashua, and the Alexander-Eastman Hospital, now Parkland Medical Center in Derry.
Irene was best known for her generous spirit – always willing to give her time, care, and attention to help her friends, family, and community. She was interested in people and never lost her curiosity for the world and appreciation for its beauty.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Kirby A. Smith of Derry; her daughter, Kari A. Smith of Palm Beach County, FL; her niece, Rebecca Scussel, and her nephew, Jason Marks, both of East Falmouth, MA. She was predeceased by her brother, Martin Marks in 1997.
Following cremation there are no services at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry are assisting the family with arrangements.