Irene Lillian Cross

Irene L. (Cochran) Cross, 96, of Colchester, VT passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026 at her home.

Irene was born July 5, 1929 at Hardwick Hospital to Orlin and Ella (Armstrong) Cochran. She graduated from Hardwick Academy and eventually moved to the Burlington area. There she met and married Anthony V. Cross on September 29, 1951. They were married for 56 years until his death in 2007.

Irene is survived by five children; Dayle Burditt, Stephen Cross, Martha Anderson and husband Clay, Lil Cross and partner Deb, and Shawn Cross and wife Carol; five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Matthew Cross in 2021, and her son-in-law Butch Burditt in 2009.

After raising six children, Irene began a 42 year career in healthcare at Green Mountain Nursing & Rehab Center in Colchester. In 2018, while still working at age 88, she was recognized as a Vermont Super Senior, which aired on WCAX with Joe Carroll. She retired two years later.

During retirement, she enjoyed visiting relatives, listening to her talking books, going out to eat, and taking frequent car rides.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 4, at 11:00am at Our Lady of Grace Church in Colchester. Burial will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery in Richmond.