Irene (Francoeur) Costa, also previously known as Irene Pacheco & Irene Duarte, born November 4, 1938, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 after a long battle with Lymphoma, she was 85 years old.
Irene grew up in the north end of Fall River, she was the youngest of 10 children, her parents were Regina (Lapointe) Francoeur and Ferdinand Francoeur. She was the last surviving member of the family, her siblings were Frank Francoeur, Roland Francoeur, Claire Lima, Bob Francoeur, George Francoeur, Doris Oliver, Mariette Santos, Armand and Rene Francoeur. Irene had 3 children, Robert Pacheco, Glen Pacheco and Tanya (Duarte) Parker. She put herself through nursing school in the late 70’s while working as a housekeeper for many prominent physicians in the area. She later was employed at Silver Creek Manor, in Bristol, RI for many years. Irene was married 3 times in her life, and outlived them all.
She was first married to Robert Francis Pacheco, secondly to John Duarte, and as a senior citizen she married again to James Costa. Irene enjoyed helping people and was an independent, happy, talkative person who made friends everywhere she went. She loved animals and received daily visits from neighborhood dogs which kept her in good spirits. She was a very faithful person and was a proud member of Fall River Church of Christ. Irene was so full of life and touched many hearts over the years, she will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her 3 children and their spouses, 10 grand-children, 15 great-grand-children, and many nieces and nephews. An informal celebration of her life will be held on next Saturday 12/9 at 12 noon at Fall River Church of Christ, 840 Rock St, Fall River.