PRENTISS – Marie A. Irish, 72, wife of the late Maynard Irish, passed away May 21, 2009, at a Lincoln hospital. She was born April 13, 1937, in Prentiss, the daughter of Nat and Madge (Smith) Thompson. Marie loved being a wife and mother; being at home for her family, cleaning and cooking was her greatest joy. As her husband, Maynard, became ill, she jumped in and went to work selling Rubbermaid and Avon for years. She was always there for her dad and mom, and took care of them. She also cleaned and helped take care of her dear friend, Helen Worcester. She was a wonderful, loving nurse to her husband until the end. She loved her grandchildren and great-granddaughter dearly and was anxiously awaiting the newest one in the family. Marie will be remembered for being a loving, generous and giving person. She always said the material things in life never mattered, it was what you gave of yourself to others. She is survived by a son, Mark Irish of Prentiss; a daughter and son-in-law, Paulette and Peter Jipson of Springfield; three sisters, Pauline Drake of Springfield, Beryl Downs of Lincoln and Gloria Becklund of Florida; grandchildren, Daniel and Rob Noonan of Lincoln, Ashley Jipson and Doug Smith of Bangor, Kaylee Jipson and Natalie Jipson of Springfield, Andrew Jipson of Lincoln, Christina Irish of Medway, Krista Irish of Lincoln and Katelyn Irish of Lincoln; a great-granddaughter, Abigail Noonan; several nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as a special friend, Donna King. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Marguerite Thornton; and two brothers, Fernald Thompson and Harold Sterling Thompson. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Monday at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday with her son-in-law, Peter Jipson, officiating. Interment will be at Thompson Cemetery, Prentiss. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the family. Those who wish may sign an online register and leave written condolences at www.clayfuneralhome.com.
MARIE A. IRISH
