Irene M. Bechard

Irene M. Bechard lived in Lowell Highlands for 7 decades; 76 FITCHBURG Irene M. Bechard, 76, formerly of the Highlands Section of Lowell, died Dec. 7, at the Health Alliance Leominster Hospital, after an illness. A daughter of the late Edward and Mary E. (Stewart) Bechard, she was born May 31, 1931, in Lowell, attended the Lowell Schools, Notre Dame Academy, and then graduated from Merrimack College. Irene made her home in the Highlands Section of the City for more than 75 years before residing in Fitchburg, and was a communicant of St. Margaret's Church in Lowell. She worked for the former Bon Marche Store for many years, before working as a computer programmer for Raytheon for many years, prior to her retirement. She enjoyed painting, quilting, knitting, and mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling to the White Mountains, and spending time in Maine. She is survived by a nephew, John Bechard of Cambridge; a niece, Mary J. Johnson and her husband, Gene, of Leominster; grandnephews and a grandniece, Patrick Johnson of RI, Aaron Johnson of Westfield, and Nick Johnson and Leigh Johnson, both of Leominster; as well as many close friends, especially, her dear friend, Roberta Galvin of Lowell. She was also the sister of the late John Bechard, and the niece of the late Dorothy Stewart. YOU ARE INVITED TO HER CALLING HOURS 3 UNTIL 7 P.M. ON TUESDAY. ON WEDNESDAY, HER FUNERAL WILL BEGIN AT 8:30 A.M. AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL (978 OR 800) 458-6816. HER FUNERAL MASS WILL BE OFFERED AT ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH AT 9:30 A.M. BURIAL IN ST. PATRICK CEMETERY. MEMORIALS IN HER NAME TO THE CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE. E-CONDOLENCE SITE WWW.MCDONOUGHFUNERALHOME.COM