Irene P. Eucker

Irene P. (Celularo) Eucker, 93 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on the evening of April 16th, 2024 at home after a long battle with cancer. 

Irene’s husband of 60 years, Howard W. Eucker passed away on December 10, 2012.  She is survived by her loving son, Mark W. Eucker and his wife, Constance of Woodstock, CT; a son-in-law, Gary Keefe of Paxton; her five grandchildren, Amy Keefe, Kevin Keefe, Scott Keefe and his wife Amy, Erika Eucker, and Kimberly Eucker-Giordano and her husband Bill, and nine great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings: Raymond Celularo and his wife, Betty, Eva Kiley, and Dolores Norrman all of Worcester; a brother-in-law, Richard Eucker of California and a sister-in-law, Sue Eucker of Washington State; several nieces and nephews.

Irene was pre-deceased her daughter, Marianne Keefe; siblings:  John, Frank, Henry and James Celularo, Ann Azzinaro, and Helen Ricciardi.  

Irene was born on June 20, 1930 in Worcester, one of ten children to the late Mariano and Carmela (Calarose) Celularo and lived here her entire life.  Irene was a cook for her family’s various restaurant businesses, and later along with her sisters, Helen, and Dell, opened Mariano’s on Grafton Hill before moving to Shrewsbury Street.  The popular restaurant was named after their father, Mariano Celularo.

Irene was considered a master of Italian cuisine, often including recipes from her parents’ native Calabria. Her talents and love for cooking were so generously shared with her wide network of family and friends and always received with joy and enthusiasm.     A woman deeply devoted to her family, Irene’s home was a true reflection of her: a place of love, generosity, and kindness.

A devout Catholic, Irene was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Loreto where she was active for many years.  She was also a member of the Beato Angelo Dacri Calabria Club Inc, of Worcester.

The family wishes to acknowledge the outstanding care provided by Beth Duncan of the Oncology Department at UMASS Memorial and to Notre Dame Hospice for the comfort and support provided Irene during her illness. 

Funeral services for Irene will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 with visitation from 10-11 am and her funeral Mass immediately following at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 34 Massasoit Rd., Worcester.  Burial will follow in Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester.  MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Notre Dame Hospice, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, MA. 01605