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Iris Orr Obituary
Iris Orr, 88, of Guilford passed away on April 16. Wife to George for 63 years, she leaves her brother Fred, two sons Ross and Stuart, two grandchildren Kyle and Nerea, and a great grandson Jayden.
Iris was born in London, England and spent much of her childhood living through the Blitz and WWII in London.
Married in 1957, Iris and George lived in Belgium and France while George pursued a career as a professional cyclist before later moving to South Africa, Northern Canada, and finally the USA in 1977.
Iris stayed connected to the cycling world as her husband and two sons all raced in the 80's and 90's, then for many years dedicated time to the organization of races across New England. She was a great friend, an expert knitter, obsessive puzzle-solver and avid reader. She was deeply loved and will be missed by many.
There will be a service for family and friends later this year.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Iris Orr
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Jennifer Bew Orr
April 14, 2025
Some day, we'll have a real memorial service. For Iris. The obituary here touches on the facts of her life well. What I also remember is the way she was unusually steady in any crisis. This may have been an outgrowth of growing up during the bombing of London throughout WWII. But there was no one better you could turn to. And very few people loved family with the selflessness that Iris did. Right to the very end. My mother-in-law and one of the best friends I'll ever have. Love, Always.
Jennifer Bew Orr
April 15, 2024
It's lovely to remember Iris on any day, and a comfort always. I remember the many times she steadied us, and all her intelligence, skill, and her devotion to family which required sacrifices on her part. Love always for Iris.
Jennifer Bew Orr
April 12, 2023
It is an ongoing privilege to have been loved by someone like Iris. Never a day passes without my thinking of my mother-in-law and knowing that my life was made immeasurably better by having our Iris in it.
Jennifer Bew Orr
April 16, 2021
Iris: a True North star for those of us fortunate enough to be part of her life! Today I can smile through the tears. Feeling so very grateful to have had Iris as my mother-in-law. Her counsel still has a beautiful ring in my ears - a good sort! She's part of every crossword and every step forward. Iris, the friend I was quickest to call to ward off loneliness. Every thought of her helps, as we feel her love still lighting the way through. Jen
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Stuart Orr
April 16, 2021
Its one year since we lost Mom. I think about her everyday and like to come back t this page to see her picture and read through the comments people have left for her. I thank everyone for their lovely reflections of her and appreciate very much the things you say about her. I see her in my daughter, i see her in me still and i find myself laughing more than anything at moments and comments she made along the way. Wonderful reflections. Love you Mom
Jennifer Bew Orr
February 8, 2021
When you lose one of the most important people in your life, your instinct is not necessarily to talk about it right away. It has been around ten months now. I am so glad for the time that we had together, and we had a lot of it. Marrying her son led to one of the most cherished friendships of my life. I love you Iris, and will love you all my life, and love and support your precious granddaughter as best I can. Always, Jen
Joe Iassogna
July 19, 2020
I wish I had known Mrs. Orr had passed. She was a wonderful woman married to a wonderful man. George is always in my prayers. God bless you and all of your family.
Matt+ Sharon (Greater Hartford Cycling club) Stuart
April 28, 2020
Sorry to hear of the Loss of Iris- She was always so nice to us "Newbies" at the bike races. Her and George were a fixture in the local scene, and the were well regarded by all.
Our deepest condolences to the whole family and all her friends.
April 26, 2020
Iris, you were the most generous friend to all the cyclists. You happily fed us all and found us a place to sleep in your wonderful home. You especially gave comfort to my girls. Thanks for the memories. Rest in peace, Lynda Smith, North Carolina, US
Nancy Hulme
April 25, 2020
Iris was a source of comfort, laughter and good friendship to our family. We spent a lot of time together in the bike racing days and were always welcome at their lovely home. Thank you for everything, Iris. Condolences to you all from the Hulme Family.
MARK HOFFMAN
April 25, 2020
I hadn't seen Iris or George for many years, but have fond memories of their guidance and assistance as I was getting into the sport of cycling. Once, Iris was at my house, and noticed with delight we were raising budgerigars. (parakeets to some of you). "Budgies, You have budgies! she exclaimed." I made sure a pair of them made their way to the Orr house. Thanks for all the help you gave Iris. Much love.
Christine Bartsch
April 22, 2020
Iris was a very special warm, friendly person, always with a ready laugh or smile, she was my favourite Aunty too, echoing my sister's sentiments. She will be greatly missed.
Baska Bartsch
April 21, 2020
This is for Mum, Joyce Heywood (Bartsch, the friendship and love was always there even in mum's confusion.
Donna Brown
April 21, 2020
Iris was a beautiful lady. She also taught me to knit. She and George were wonderful friends to my parents. George and my dad were cycling buddies for many years. Many fond memories of George and Iris, also with Marshall and Patrick. RIP
Baska Bartsch
April 19, 2020
Iris was always in our lives, from waving from her pram across the road to Mum (Joyce Heywood) in hers. I listened to stories growing up, from her evacuation during the war to their teenage years visiting Motzie's café.
We picked wildflowers with Iris and George at the Mardyke, and watched slide shows of their wonderful trips overseas on our white tablecloth on the wall.
I found that dobermen were not so scary because their dogs were happy in their home. We saw their mini fly' over a hump-backed bridge on the way to the seaside. Iris introduced us to our very first Avocado Pear before we left in 1972!
Here in Australia, Iris was freaked out by Adele's rather large toy plastic bugs, and we loved every visit, and the continuity of friendship regardless of time gaps and distance. And when visiting in her home briefly in Connecticut, the friendship was still the same.
Iris was always my favourite Aunty, she will always be with me.
Ruth Johnson
April 19, 2020
Iris, I have known you since 1977 when George, You and your boys came over to the US. Ross and Stuart were in my wedding in 1978. You baby sat Tyler, our son from infancy (1980) until he was 4. You also taught me how to knit, what fun we had.I have so many Great Memories of You throughout the years! George, and You were like surrogate parents and close friends to my husband Jeffrey Johnson. My whole family will miss you greatly, but we will always have our great memories of you. Your free from pain at last. RIP Dear IRIS! ❤
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