Irene Amsden

Irene T. (Torpey) Amsden, 86

RUTLAND - Irene T. (Torpey) Amsden, 86, of Rutland passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2014 under the loving care of her family and the staff at UMass Memorial Healthcare - University Campus. Born and raised in Worcester, Irene was the daughter of Robert B. and Josephine I. (Brady) Torpey and lived 65 years in Rutland.

After graduating from Commerce High School in Worcester, Irene went to work at Rutland's VA Hospital where she met the love of her life, Robert H. Amsden. They married in 1949 and moved to Rutland where they raised their four daughters. She quickly embraced her new community and joined St. Patrick's Church where she became an active member, later serving as a Eucharistic Minister and was a founding member of its St. Vincent de Paul Society. In 1961, Irene was offered and accepted the positions of both Rutland Town Clerk and Treasurer/Tax Collector, which she held for 30 years. She also served on many other town boards.

Volunteering was an important part of Irene's life. She earnestly participated at the Rutland Food Pantry, Rutland Historical Society, and was a longtime member of the Rutland Council on Aging where she loved playing with her Wii bowling team. Previously, she served in many capacities with the Diocese of Worcester. Having a good sense of humor was essential to raising four daughters. To her remarkable credit, she gave loving, thoughtful and very balanced advice. She devoted her life to her family and their stewardship, and worked hard to instill her values and ideals. She will be remembered for her poise and grace and will be lovingly missed by "her community".

Her beloved husband of 45 years, died in 1995. She is survived by her three daughters, Karen Greenwood and Lynne Amsden both of Rutland, and Kristine Yannone and her husband, Eric, of Keene, New Hampshire; four grandchildren, Carrie Greenwood of Rutland, Brian Yannone and Patrick Amsden, both of Keene, John Yannone and his wife, Vaishali of North Carolina; three great grandchildren, Brady, Dominique and Hannah Greenwood all of Rutland; nieces and nephews including, Robert, Kay and Paul Torpey all of Virginia; and her dear friends, Paula and Brian Stidsen; her "girls" club with whom she met with every month for over 65 years; and her Tuesday morning bible study group at St. Patrick's Church. Besides her husband Robert, she is predeceased by her daughter, Martha Amsden and a brother, Robert Torpey.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Irene's family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, at St. Patrick's Church, 258 Main St., Rutland, followed by interment at Rural Cemetery in Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick's St. Vincent de Paul Society, P.O. Box 939, Rutland, MA 01543, or the Town of Rutland 4th of July Gift Account, 250 Main St., Rutland, MA 01543. To share a memory or offer a condolence, visit

www.milesfuneralhome.com