BANGOR and BREWER Irene O. Bryce, 89, wife of the late Frank E. Bryce, passed away peacefully July 13, 2006, at a local hospital after a brief illness. She was born April 10, 1917, in Mapleton, the oldest daughter of Orin and Mabel (Turner) Ireland. Irene was a resident of Bangor and a former communicant of St. John’s Catholic Church. She was employed as a nurse for many years in the Bangor area, Bangor Sanatorium, Brewer Nursing Home and James Taylor Osteopath Hospital. She worked as a receptionist in a doctor’s office before opening her home to the care of patients for a few years before retiring. In 1987, she moved with her beloved husband of 71 years, Frank, to Winter Haven, Fla. She returned to Bangor in June 2002 to spend her final days. She was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had much enjoyment with her family and friends, and loved family gatherings. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, sewing and bingo. Irene will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Irene is survived by her four children, M. Jean Flanagan of Concord, N.H., Robert E. Bryce and daughter-in-law, Cynthia, of Bangor, Roger F. Bryce and daughter-in-law, Trudy, of Winter Haven, Fla., Sandra B. Morin and son-in-law, Fred, of Wilmington, Del. and Ellsworth; two loving and caring sisters, Eunice Bickford of Bangor and Betty Ann Madore of Slidell, La.; 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Irene is predeceased by her four sisters, Charlene Penney, Marion Vanadestine, Gloria Bickford and Sally Kaheel. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 16, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 17, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor, with the Very Rev. Richard McLaughlin, pastor celebrant. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Brookings-Smith Family Center, 163 Center St., Bangor, after the interment. Those who wish may make gifts in Irene’s memory to St. John’s Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 207 York St., Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
IRENE O. BRYCE
