Nonie Burdick Irey passed into eternal life after a courageous battle with ALS on February 15, 2007 at the age of 61 surrounded by family and loved ones.
Nonie was the daughter of Alice Latham Burdick and the late Ellery "Babe" Burdick. She is survived by companion George Bittman, her daughters Andrea Parent and husband Al, Rachel Mosier
and husband Rod; grandchildren Shawn
Parent, Rodney and Marcella Mosier; sisters Alice Livingston, Jane Martley and husband Bill, Cathy Holdridge and husband Jim, and Marie Magee; sister-in-law Dot Burdick; lifelong friend Betsy Faulise; friend and caregiver Sally Lanphere; numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her
brother Johnny Burdick. Her former husband was Jim Irey.
Nonie took great pride in her Irish heritage and family, which was evident through the deli known as "Nonie's Deli, which she ran in the Stonington Borough with partner George Bittman. She also loved to share her sense of humor and showcase her personality
with the variety of hats she wore on a daily basis in her deli, along with photos, music, and food. The Mystic Irish Parade Association recognized Nonie’s commitment to the Irish
community by naming her the “Honorary
Marshall of the 2007 Mystic Irish Parade.” Even Senator Ted Kennedy made a yearly pilgrimage to visit Nonie at the deli. Nonie continued to work at the deli until December 31, 2005, when the disease made it impossible for her to continue. Because of the steadfast compassion and generous heart of the Holdridge family, she was able to live life to the fullest in a loving home environment.
She lived a life full of giving and caring for others. Some of her interests were Girl Scouting, quilting, crocheting, Eucharistic
Minister, and CCD teacher. She was an avid traveler, camping throughout the United States with her family and the Nugents. Of all destinations, Ireland was her favorite.
During the final weeks of Nonie's life, family and friends found solice in caring for her as she cared for so many others.
Her family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic (just down from the Harp and Hound Irish Pub) on Friday from 6-8pm
Dinoto Funeral Home in Mystic, just down from . A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Church in Pawcatuck on Saturday at 10am. A celebration of her life will take place Sunday, February 18, at 2:00 pm, at the Holdridge residence.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to ALS Patient Closet, 4 Oxford Road, Unit D1, Milford, Ct 06460. (1-203-874-5050)
To send Nonie’s family a note of remembrance/condolence, please click the link below and to view photos, visit www.carepages.com and then entering patient name NonieIrey (no space).