Irene M. Bilodeau

It is with great sadness that the family of Irene M. (LeBlanc) Bilodeau shares the news of her passing March 3, 2026, at the age of 85. Irene experienced declining health in the past few years before encountering complications in the past three months. She was born in Lewiston, ME, May 29, 1940 to Jeannette LeBlanc. Irene was an only child but had an extended family with her Uncle Bob and Aunt Laura Adams. Her cousins Evelyn, Roberta and Judith were like sisters to her.

Irene attended grade school in Auburn and then attended St. Joseph's Academy in Portland. She graduated in 1959! Many years later she received an associate's degree in accounting from Mid-State College. While still in high school, Irene met Rene, the love of her life. They married in October of 1960 and purchased their current home in 1965 where they raised their family of 5 children: Rene Jr, Paul, Michelle, Celeste and Donald.

Irene worked various jobs throughout her life, but she was primarily Wife, Mom, Memere & Nana. She loved her family! She was a wonderful teacher to her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, instructing them in life skills they use to this day. She was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed.

She was an incredible seamstress and made much of the children's clothing when they were young. Irene was also an expert in knitting and crochet and always had a project in progress. Anyone blessed with owning something she created truly has a treasure.

Throughout the years, from early marriage and small children to the last few years she was always on the go. Family camping, beach trips, playing cards and board games kept her young. She especially loved cribbage and had a collection of cribbage boards numbering around 60. Late night backgammon sessions with Paul or Donald were a must when either one was at home. What great stories they produced! She was an excellent ice skater, rode bicycles and loved swimming. A beach trip with a car full of children was not uncommon. Membership in the YMCA or other pool facilities enabled her to swim year-round. She made many friends at the pool with one group referred to as the "Pool Divas". Her love of swimming led to her training and ultimately being certified as a Senior Lifesaver.

Irene and Rene hosted numerous family gatherings through the years. Irene loved those times and was meticulous in every detail to guarantee perfection – in presentation and quantity of food. No one ever went home hungry or empty handed.

She was predeceased by their first-born son Joseph, who died hours after birth, her mother, Aunt Laura and Uncle Bob Adams, cousin Evelyn, and a very special nephew, Adam Reesman; brothers-in-law Maurice & wife Kathleen Bilodeau, Marc Bilodeau, Harold (Budge) Blaisdell, and Gerald Lebrun; sister-in-law Elaine (Bilodeau) McKeone and her husband Albert; and a niece and several nephews.

Irene is survived by her husband of 65 years, Rene; their children: Rene Jr, Paul (Patricia), Michelle (John), Celeste (Toby) and Donald (Christina); their grandchildren: Nicholas, Carrie (Christopher), Robert (Barb), Dorothy (Kyle), Emily (Vanessa), Michael, Andrew Abigail), Allyson, and Katherine; their great-grandchildren: Taylor Rae, Mackenzie, Payton, Zoe, Jackson, Ayla, Aspen, and Nora. She also leaves behind her cousins: Roberta (Michael) Reesman and Judith (Michael) York; sisters-in-law Rachel (Bilodeau) Blaisdell of Dixfield, Theresa (Bilodeau) Lebrun of Minot and Susan (Bilodeau) Fahey of Willsboro, NY; brother-in-law Roger Bilodeau and wife Joline of Auburn along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In keeping with Irene's wishes there will be no calling hours or services. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Donations in Irene's memory may be made to Andwell Health Partners (Hospice) Attn: Development Office, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.