Agnes I. Smith

Agnes "Irene" Smith died peacefully at Milford Regional Medical Center on December 19, 2024 after a hospitalization and failing health. Born in Pawtucket Rhode Island on July 27, 1930 she was 94 years of age.
"Irene" as she was known to family and friends, was the eldest daughter of the late Agnes I. Meunier and Thomas J. Hickey. She is survived by three sisters, Patricia DePaola, Alice Rose, and Joan Anelundi (husband Michael) and sister-in-law Lynne Murphy Hickey. She is survived by son Matthew J. Smith and his wife Mary, along with beloved grandsons Matthew T. Lemon, Patrick S. Lemon (wife Valerie) and Andrew J. Smith. Irene was the very proud great grandmother to Camilla and Sadie Lemon. Irene was a beloved Aunt to the many nieces and nephews of her brothers, sisters and in-laws. She was predeceased by brothers Thomas, William, and Donald Hickey as well as cherished sister Helen Reilly.
Raised in Providence, Irene attended St. Pius V School and later St. Xavier Academy for Girls, graduating from high school in 1948. She began working at the Canteen of the Veterans Administration of Providence where she remained until starting her family. Irene married Edmund "Ned" J. Smith of Providence on September 11, 1954 and settled in the Stadium area of Cranston, where she remained for over 70 years.
Irene loved and was devoted to her family. Following the example of her mother Agnes Irene Hickey, "baby Irene" as Irene Smith was called by many, took over as the Matriarch and host for holiday gatherings. She was proud of her home, her holiday buffets and her welcoming of family, friends and those seeking a welcome place for the holidays.
Irene worked for some profit, but mostly pleasure, as a seamstress. Like her mother and aunts before her, she created pants, suits and jackets from scratch. She sewed cloth pocketbooks and curtains too! She helped family, neighbors and friends with clothing alterations. Irene channeled her creativity in sewing into home projects. An expert in cutting and measuring, she built basement rooms and installed hardwood and tile floors, ever increasing the comfort and beauty of her home and the home of others.
After the untimely death of husband Ned at 45, while she herself was only 40, the newly widowed Irene raised her son and carried on with the help of faith, family and friends. Always fearless, hardworking and ready to embrace a challenge, Irene began work at Ferry Orthodontics where she found fulfilling work and support. Her career at the thriving practice of E. T. Ferry spanned over three decades.
In retirement Irene remained active and energetic. She continued to maintain her home, travel to see relatives and friends, babysit grandchildren, socialize with the St. Ann's Woman's Guild and of course be ever supportive to and receive the support of her loving sisters, Patricia, Alice and Joan. Irene was spry and active well into her 90s driving herself to see family, shop at Dave's Markets & St. Marks for the Saturday Vigil Mass as she saw fit. In her 93rd year Irene needed more supportive care in home from community providers and family. We thank so many medical providers, family members, Stadium area neighbors and home health workers who worked to keep her healthy and supported during her times of frailty and illness.
The family mourns the passing of our beloved Irene, yet we are thankful for her loving and generous life. Irene taught us much by the way she lived every day and how she treated us and made us feel cherished and loved. It is comforting to remember during the Christmas season that Irene truly lived a "wonderful life"!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday December 27, 2024 at 10:00am in St. Mark Church 9 Garden Court Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery Cranston. Post funeral luncheon will be held at Cucina Rustica 555 Atwood Avenue Cranston.
Visitation will be held for one hour on Friday morning prior to the Mass in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston beginning at 8:30.
In lieu of flowers donations to RI Community Food Bank rifoodbank.org/holiday or 401 942- MEAL would be appreciated.