Irene M. Halpin

Irene M. (Ambrosetti) Halpin of Manchester, whose gentle, kind-hearted ways touched all she knew and loved, died on Nov. 17, 2009. She was 88.

Born Dec. 11, 1920, in humble surroundings in Windsor Locks, Irene was the middle child and only daughter of Joseph and Lena Ambrosetti. She was a fun-loving youngster who made friends easily, and through the guidance of her devoted parents, learned at an early age the importance of family, faith, and friendship. She placed these values above all others throughout her life.

Irene graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1938, and briefly contemplated a career in nursing before moving on to work in the payroll department at National Fire Insurance Co. of Hartford, loyally serving the company for more than 10 years.

In 1954, Irene married her true love, Francis Halpin, and the couple moved to the then-quiet farming community of Glastonbury. Together they built a wonderful life, raising a son, Charlie, their pride and joy, and owning and operating the Glastonbury Flower Shoppe on Hebron Avenue until the mid-1960s.

Irene and Francis were respected members of the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce and well-known for their service to the community. Irene was an active member of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church of Glastonbury, and particularly enjoyed her work on behalf of the church's annual Country Fair. She regularly assisted with the church's monthly meals program for the poor in Hartford, and was active with the St. Agnes Home for teenage mothers and their infants in West Hartford. Irene delivered meals on wheels with her dear friend, the late Irene Gross. She was also a long-time member of the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center Women's Auxiliary. Irene's expressive smile, generosity, and warmth lit up all who came into her life. The quintessential "good neighbor," Irene took great pride in the many friendships she made and special times she enjoyed in Glastonbury's Goodrich Road enclave.

Irene's home was always welcoming; her porch suppers always anticipated; her swimming pool always inviting; her geraniums always blooming; bridge game always sharp; and her Irish coffees always piping hot. Hers was a life well lived, with the finest of families, the best of friends, the fondest of memories and the fewest of regrets.

Irene is survived by her loving son, Charles Joseph Halpin, and his wife, Stephanie, of Mountain Lakes, N.J., and their children, Jake and Ellie, who she cherished; her nieces and nephews, Jean Robertson of East Windsor, Carol Gilbert, and her husband, Gary, of Windsor, Charlene Buden, and her husband, Dennis, of Manchester, Charles Peter, and his wife, Liz, of Manchester; and her sister-in-law, Bernice Ambrosetti of Windsor, William Delatore, and his wife, Debbie, of Rochester, N.H., Patty Matsuzawa, and her husband, Mickey, of Seattle, Brooke Halpin, Janet Robichaud, and her husband, Bob, Maria Newberry, and her husband, Robert, all of Los Angeles; her very special friends, Shirley Riley of East Hartford, Carol Baribault of Glastonbury, and Florence Quagliaroli of Windsor Locks, Irene's childhood companion; and relatives in Windsor Locks, West Hartford, Torrington, and the Lake Como region of Italy.

She was predeceased by her husband, Francis; her parents, Joseph and Lena Ambrosetti; and her brothers, Eugene and Charles.

In her later years, Irene was particularly blessed to have the selfless love and support of her niece, Carol, and the devoted care of her daily aides and companions, Marci Caine and Francine Joy, as well as the friendship and constancy of so many staff members of The Arbors Retirement Community in Manchester, especially her good friend, Elinor Pease. Irene and her family offer their warmest, heartfelt appreciation for their generous, loving, and supportive ways.

Calling hours will be Nov. 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St., Manchester.

Family and friends may gather on Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. for Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, 2577 Main St., Glastonbury. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Glastonbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory may be made to The Visiting Nurse Association Health Care Fund, 103 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105.

To leave online condolences, please visit

www.tierneyfuneralhome.com

The family would also welcome hearing from family and friends c/o Charlie Halpin, 416 Morris Ave., Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046.