Irene Odette (Dionne) Blais

Irene Odette (Dionne) Blais, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, in Worcester, Massachusetts, at the age of 80.

A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, she was born on May 5, 1945, in Whitinsville, the beloved daughter of Louis O. and Jane (Tremblay) Dionne. Irene spent the first half of her life in Whitinsville before settling in Hudson, where she lived for more than four decades. In her later years, she made her home in Shrewsbury with her daughter and son-in-law.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers Ernest, Gerard, and Roland Dionne; and her devoted husband, James Raymond Blais, with whom she shared 44 years of marriage.

Irene was the devoted mother of Cynthia Janczyk Rose, married to David L. Rose of Shrewsbury, and Michael James Janczyk, married to Gwen Whitehead Janczyk of Wildomar, CA. She was a loving stepmother to James E. Blais, married to Jennifer Weyler of Shrewsbury; Diana Blais Sandini of Marlborough, with her partner Richard White Jr.; and Raymond E. Blais, who predeceased her in 2017.

A graduate of Northbridge High School, Irene built a long and successful career as a secretary, retiring from both Digital Equipment Corporation and Bose Corporation.

Together, Irene and Jim built a life filled with music and friendship. At the Hudson Senior Center, they organized weekly sing-alongs that brought joy to countless members. Summers were often spent camping at bluegrass and country music festivals, where their love of music grew even stronger. Their home on Fort Meadow Reservoir in Hudson was a gathering place for friends and family that was filled with laughter, song, and impromptu jam sessions.

Music was a constant thread throughout Irene's life. From listening to her brother Roland's records with her young nieces and nephews, to singing in her later years with Music Includes of Northborough, she found deep joy and connection in song. Music Includes is a program that provides musical performance opportunities for individuals with and without learning, emotional, developmental, medical or gender differences. This gave Irene an uplifting community in her final years, a true reflection of her love of music.

Irene's greatest pride was her family, especially her 13 grandchildren: Jaime Cooper Loach and husband Andrew of Glen Allen, VA; Zachary and Jacob Janczyk of Wildomar, CA; James E. Blais Jr. and wife Carley of Millbury, MA; Sarah Blais McArthur and partner Jade Hartsough of Florida; Ginelle Blais and partner Edwin Matos of New Hampshire; Drew Blais and wife Sarah of New Hampshire; Christopher Sandini Jr. and wife Jenna of Westminster, MA; Danielle Sandini and significant other Tony Bucchino of Hopedale, MA; Kevin and Amanda Blais of Maine; David Blais of Oklahoma; and Rachel Rose Dryden of Oklahoma. She also treasured her many nieces, nephews, and members of the extended Dionne family.

An avid reader and passionate sports fan, Irene never missed a chance to cheer for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. She especially loved college sports: women's basketball, faithfully following UConn, as well as women's softball and football.

Those who knew Irene will forever remember her strength, resilience, kindness, and unwavering love. In her later years, these same qualities were reflected back to her through the devoted care from family members Cynthia Rose, Carmine Janczyk, Jaime Loach, and friend Terry Fuller, whose love and support brought comfort and dignity to Irene's life.

The family also offers heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Saint Mary's Healthcare Center in Worcester, especially Keyesha, Nana, Mary (x2), and Margaret, as well as to Adeline Asante, and Sarah Pinkowski, from Summit Elder Care, for the gentle care and kindness they shared with Irene.

Burial/graveside service will be held at Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Whitinsville, on October 20th at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Music Includes of Northborough (checks payable to NACC, PO Box 442, Shrewsbury, MA 01545).

May Irene's memory bring comfort to all who loved her, and may the music she cherished continue to echo in our hearts.