Irene M. Meehan

Irene M. (Ceppi) Meehan, age 103, of Holyoke, died on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Loomis House Nursing Center in Holyoke. She was born on August 1, 1913 to Peter and Clara (Della Vedova) Ceppi in Sernio, Province of Sondrio, in the Lombardy Region of Northern Italy. Irene immigrated to Holyoke in August of 1920. She was a graduate of the former Precious Blood School where she learned English and French while continuing to speak Italian at home. She maintained these language skills throughout her life. On July 27, 1940, Irene married Francis J. Meehan, with whom she enjoyed more than forty years of marriage until his death on September 27, 1983. For many years, she was employed as a secretary at Feldman’s Insurance Agency, and later at Sacred Heart Church, both in Holyoke. Irene and Francis were very involved in all the spiritual and social activities at that parish, as well as in the Cursillo Community of the Springfield Diocese. She also served as a Special Minister of Holy Communion at Sacred Heart Church and also at Holyoke Hospital. During the past sixteen years, Irene has enjoyed living an active life at Providence Place in Holyoke, and became an associate member of the Sisters of Providence. Irene is survived by their son, Richard F. Meehan, with whom she made her home, and was predeceased by an infant daughter, Rosalie. The funeral will be held Wednesday November 2nd at 9:00 a.m. from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel at Providence Place. Irene will be buried next to her husband Francis at Calvary Cemetery in Holyoke. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Tuesday, November 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Donations may be made in Irene’s memory to the Sisters of Providence, 5 Gamelin Street, Holyoke MA 01040.