Irene H. Zaval

1927 - 2021

Irene H. (Paige) Zaval, 93, of East Bridgewater, died on July 12, 2021, surrounded by her loving husband and their children. Born in Quincy, in 1927, the 4th child of Earl Paige and Rose Paige (Watkins), provided Irene with her hardy Canadian and Vermonter stock. Residing in East Bridgewater for almost 70 years, before, during, and after raising 5 children, Irene engaged in work with a human connection. She was a telephone operator for New England Telephone, a medical records administrator for Brockton Hospital, an office receptionist for Stanley R. Parker Jr. MD of Taunton, and finally until her retirement, a Human Resources administrator for Etonic shoes in Brockton. Irene and her husband had been members of the East Bridgewater Union Congregational Church for 67 years, making them the oldest tenured church members. For many years, Irene was an active church school teacher, Christmas fair contributor, and Women's Committee member. Irene leaves behind her devoted husband of 74 years, Sheldon. She was predeceased by her brothers Gordon and Howard Paige, and her sister Helen Curtin. She is survived by her brother James Paige and her beloved children Beverly O'Rourke and her husband Frank of East Bridgewater, Kenneth Zaval and his wife Maura of Pembroke, Dorothy Cushman and her husband James of Playa Junquillal, Costa Rica, and Edward Zaval and his wife Kelly of Manchester. Irene was predeceased by her son Barry Zaval. Irene was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Irene and her family are deeply grateful to the Cranberry Hospice and BayPath Rehabilitation staffs and to her longtime caregivers Maria Rebeiro and Iloisa Teixeira for their steadfast care that allowed Irene to stay in her home until 93 years of age. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at East Bridgewater Union Congregational Church, 105 Pleasant Street, East Bridgewater, Saturday, July 17, from 10 a.m.- 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Central Cemetery, East Bridgewater. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com.