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McNally & Watson Funeral & Cremation Service - Clinton

304 Church Street

Clinton, Massachusetts

IRENE MCNALLY Obituary

IRENE MCNALLY Clinton - Irene (Matisiewski) McNally, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, James "Boogers" McNally, who passed away in 2013, her parents, Peter and Stephanie Matisiewski, brother, Joseph Matisiewski, and sister, Sophie Innamorati. She leaves her three children, all who claim to be her favorite: Sean McNally of New York City, Brian McNally and his wife Dawn of Clinton, and Peter McNally and his wife Beth of Lancaster. She was a proud "Babci" to her five grandchildren, whom she adored: Meghan, Catie, Finn, Aidan and Abby; and leaves several nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Irene was born in Bridgeport, Conn., raised in Clinton, Mass., and was a member of Clinton High School, class of 1954. A woman of great faith, Irene served as the organist at Our Lady of Jasna Gora Catholic Church in Clinton for over 40 years and was an active volunteer in numerous capacities for the parish and school until their closing. In the late 1970s she became the Polish lady that ran the Irish restaurant, as she and her husband owned and operated the Old Timer in Clinton for nearly four decades. The Old Timer was very much a second home to them, as they were constantly surrounded by family, friends, and an amazing staff who they cared deeply for. Despite the pace of the restaurant, she never missed a game, show, or competition for her children and grandchildren. Irene was strong, simple, and taught us all about hard work and family. Beyond her family and the restaurant, she enjoyed trips to York Beach, Maine, SV Pizza, bingo, bowling, sweets, the Red Sox, going to Foxwoods with Boogers, Sophie and Arthur, an occasional Blackberry brandy, Polish picnics, Polish food, Polish music - basically, anything Polish. Calling hours were held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton. A Funeral Liturgy of the Word was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St., Clinton, with burial to follow in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. The McNally family would like to express their thanks for the great care she received from the staff at Corcoran House and Sterling Village over the past four years. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Corcoran House-Activities Fund, 40 Walnut Street, Clinton, MA 01510 or to Sterling Village-Activities Fund, 18 Dana Hill Road, Sterling, MA 01564. Online condolences may be placed at www.mcnallywatson.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Item from May 27 to May 30, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for IRENE MCNALLY

Sponsored by McNally & Watson Funeral & Cremation Service - Clinton.

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Angela (Innamorati) Bazydlo

May 29, 2025

To say my Cioci ("aunt") Irene was dedicated to The Old Timer Restaurant would be an understatement. Cioci was a smart and strong businesswoman who worked tirelessly to ensure things were perfect for every single Old Timer patron, whether they traveled a long distance to celebrate St. Patrick´s Day with friends or stopped in briefly for a cold drink after a Clinton Tribute Road Race. While my Uncle Jimmy ("Boogers") may have been the face of the place, Cioci Irene was the one who greased the axels to keep the place running smoothly.

I remember my mother sitting with Cioci Irene enjoying a meal in a round booth after a waitressing shift, trading stories about their grandchildren, and my aunt and my dad in a booth in the bar hovered over Super Bowl squares, making sure to stay on top of every score change. Hearing Cioci Irene sing along with the Jug O Punch on St. Patty´s Day, perform with her family at Family Nights led by Art and Elaine Dufault, and lead the choir and play the organ at mass at Jasna Gora - this was the soundtrack of my youth; and what a beautiful sound it was!

Cheers to a life well lived. R.I.P., Cioci Irene.

ART& ELAINE DUFAULT

May 29, 2025

IRENE was a Super woman with a warm touch. We enjoyed our singing nights with Irene and Jim at The Old Timers. Especially "Family Night". Thank God for Memories. They will always be singing along with us like family.
PEACE AND LOVE,

ART & ELAINE

Paul Silvester

May 29, 2025

I enjoyed our short conversations as I walked by the house, many of which involved her laughing as my dog took me for a walk. She reminded me of my grandmother. She was a "Babci" too. Only the privileged few have a Babci. I'm going to miss my neighbor.

Maureen Reddy Hinckley HINCKLEY

May 28, 2025

Irene was a very nice women. My mom dot reddy was a friend of her. They went on retreats . Our family always enjoyed the old timers and greeted by her. .. and you dad. Wonderful people

Kimberly Harackiewicz

May 28, 2025

you will be missed irene you alway know how to make someone smile

Kathryn Wiinikka

May 28, 2025

Brian ,Sean & Peter , and family ,I'm very sorry to hear of your loss ..
Irene an icon of Clinton with amazing good works . Playing the organ OL Jasna Gora , singing Polish songs .!
The Old Timer’s with ‘ Booger’s ‘ great memories . Irene rest in peace .
Jesu’ Ufam Tobie
Sister Kathy Wiinikka

David Connolly

May 28, 2025

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved mother. Please accept my condolences during this difficult time. Your mother was a remarkable person who touched the lives of so many with her kindness, wisdom, and warmth and hospitality. Her legacy will live on in the beautiful memories she created for our family and thousands of others -
You will all be in our thoughts and prayers
David Connolly

Joe & Mary Swiatkowski

May 27, 2025

Our deepest sympathy,
Irene was a great lady, and friend of our generation. We always have wonderful memories of her, and our many good times at the Old Timers.
Sincerely,
Joe and Mary Swiatkowski

Kimberly Buxton

May 27, 2025

Pete, we are all so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Please know that the entire HR team is thinking of you and holding you close in our hearts during this incredibly difficult time.

We hope you’re able to take the time and space you need to be with Beth and your family and to take care of yourself. If there’s anything we can do—whether it’s covering something at work or simply being here when you need us—please don’t hesitate to let us know.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Your Comcast Family

Joe Durkin

May 27, 2025

Brian, My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. I’ll never forget all the great times myself and my buddies had at the OT . Your mother always tried to rein us in ( with limited success!!). May she rest in peace.

elena Lennon

May 27, 2025

We had many good times together . She made me stuffed cabbage rolls and they were remarkable. Like a second mom to me. I will always think of her fondly and keep her in my heart and prayers. Hope she finds my mom and they catch up in heaven because they will both be there for sure. Love to family and all who loved her

Carol & Bill Mahoney

May 27, 2025

So very sorry for your loss Brian and Dawn. Sending you love, light and prayers.

David Bartlett

May 26, 2025

Dear Sean, Brian and Peter and family,
I was shocked when I got the phone call Friday that your Mother had passed away. Now she will be joined with your Father and looking down on each of you.
I know my family and I enjoyed many weekly dinners and holiday dinners at the OT
You had great parents and now your beautiful families.
I had many cups of coffee with your Mother and Father either at OT or on the porch of their home.
Words are not enough to express my deepest and heartfelt sympathy. Remember the good memories to Maine, around town to your ball games and to the plays you went to in NYC.
May God Bless her and be with each of you during this very difficult times.
Most Sincerely,
Dave

Jeffrey Child

May 26, 2025

Legendary woman! Brian, Pete and Sean you were some of luckiest to have great parents that were loved by everyone. So sorry for your loss.

Anonymus Anonymus

May 26, 2025

Irene was a great lady-a wonderful christian woman and friend to all she knew. I'm sure her and jimmy are experiencing joy only God's peace of reuniting with your loved ones can bring. I used to go to her restaurant with family who have since passed. Great food. Great hospitality. Great people. May Jesus shine His light of peace on you at this time of reflection of irene's passing. God is love!

JULIANNE RYLL

May 26, 2025

Sean, Brian, Dawn, Peter, Beth
We are sorry to about Irene’s passing. She was a part of our Friday nights and, for many years, our Tuesday night trivia. Always had a good story and a laugh to share. We hope she is now at peace.
She was so proud of all of you.
Keeping you in our hearts and prayers. ❤
Love,
Robbie and Julie

Marcia Newton

May 26, 2025

Irene was one of the most, independant & giving ladies ever, Hard worker, & still gracious. She will be remembered with fondness. She & boogers were a great team.

Peggy Shaver

May 26, 2025

I was fortunate to work with Irene for 26 years. She was not only my boss but also my friend. Irene was a kind, compassionate and generous person with so many great stories to tell. She will live on in the hearts of all of us who had the pleasure of knowing her. All my love to the entire family.

Lisa Malone

May 26, 2025

Dear Brianand Dawn
Please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of your treasured mother / mother-in-law / grandmother. Words often little comfort during this difficult time. May your shared stories and memories of your mother give you peace in your time of need. Each time you cook one of Irene's receipe may you find joy and love with each bite. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family. With Sympathy, Lisa

David/Jill Mollica

May 26, 2025

Rest in peace Irene you were a great person and friend of our family. Many years of seeing you at Jasna Gora and The Old Timer. The Mollica family sends our sincere condolences out to all the family members. She is up in heaven now singing with Boogers.

Colleen Da Silva

May 26, 2025

So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Karen Ashworth

May 26, 2025

Dear McNally family,
Even though our time in Clinton was relatively short, Irene made such an impression on our family. Irene was a loving matriarch that kept it real with her quick wit and practical advice on life. Whether it was a quick chat at the Old Timer or a visit on the porch during an egg hunt; Irene always made us feel like family.
Brain, Dawn, Finn, and Aiden, we are thinking about you all during what must be a difficult time.
Love,
The Ashworth Family

cynthia brunelle

May 26, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I know she will be missed by all who knew her.May Irene RIP.

Josephine McNamara

May 26, 2025

We are so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed my little chats with Irene on Friday nights at the OT.
Hugs to all Ray and Josie McNamara

Bob and Pat GORMAN

May 26, 2025

Sean, Brian and Peter, what great memories Pat and I have of Irene. From her playing the organ and singing at our wedding, to many dinners and St Patrick’s Day celebrations to count at the Old Timer, working together at St Mary school bingo, waiting together on Friday night for SV pizza. Irene was a wonderful person. Strong, funny and a loyal friend. We will miss her greatly. Pat and Bob Gorman.

Kim Youkstetter

May 26, 2025

So sorry to hear about your mother's passing. It sounds as though she was surrounded by much love and lived a very full life. My condolences to the family, and to you Brian. We loved hearing all about visits with your Mom and stories of the "old days"

Jane O'Neil

May 26, 2025

Sean, Brian, Peter, very sorry to hear of Irene's passing. Sincere condolences to all of you and your loved ones. We have some amazing memories of time spent at the OT. Last time I saw her she was happy as a lark, chatting away at Corcoran House.

Gail Frieburger

May 25, 2025

Brian, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. She was a lovely lady and will be sorely missed.

Todd Regonini

May 25, 2025

What an amazing person. Along with Boogers, Clinton icons! Rest in peace, Irene. Thank you for the memories. Sorry for your loss Sean, Brian, Peter and families.

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Memorial Events
for IRENE MCNALLY

May

28

Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

McNally & Watson Funeral Home

304 Church St., Clinton, MA 01510

May

29

Service

10:00 a.m.

St. John the Evangelist Church

80 Union St., Clinton, MA 01510

May

29

Service

11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

St. John's Cemetery

Parker Road, Lancaster, MA 01523

Funeral services provided by:

McNally & Watson Funeral & Cremation Service - Clinton

304 Church Street, Clinton, MA 01510

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