SALEM - Irene Alice Willey, 96, of Salem, died Wednesday evening, February 25, 2009 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers, following a brief illness.
Born in Gorham, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of the late John E. and Beatrice (Petrie) Willey. She attended Danvers schools and was a Graduate of Danvers High School in 1929. She then attended the Salem Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1935. She was a resident of Salem for most of her life.
Miss Willey was employed as a registered nurse at Salem Hospital for 39 years, retiring in 1974 as a night supervisor.
She was an active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, where she worked bean suppers and craft fairs, often making Raggety Ann and Andy dolls, stuffed bears, quilts, pillows and other hand made items.
Although she leaves no immediate relatives, she is survived by the several friends and neighbors, especially Judith and James Quinlivan of Salem, whom she looked upon as family. She was the sister of the late Eleanor Higgins and Louise S. Willey.
Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 11:30 am in the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. A committal service will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. At Miss Willey’s request, there are no visiting hours. For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.