BANGOR – Irene M. Gilpin, 98, wife of the late Virgil O. Gilpin, died April 27, 2012, at her home. She was born Feb. 27, 1914, in South Brewer, daughter of Joseph and Alice (Willett) LeBel.
Irene traveled extensively with her husband during his military service, and she resided in many places including England and many of the U.S. states. She always worked and had various jobs. She managed an apartment building, operated a vegetable stand in the south and operated a restaurant. Irene and Virgil retired and moved back to Maine in 1985. She was a resident of Maliseet Gardens Apartments for 22 years, 14 of which were after Virgil died. She moved to Winterbury Heights assisted Living in December 2010. Irene was an extremely sociable and compassionate person who loved playing cards, gardening and flowers.
Surviving are her three children, James McHale and wife, Betty, of Brewer, George McHale and wife, Carolyn, of Corinth, and Joel McHale and wife, Bonnie, of Montana; two grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Peter McHale; second husband, Virgil Gilpin; all her siblings; grandson, James A. McHale; and granddaughter, Nancy Thomas. Irene’s family gratefully thanks the caring staff and dear friends at Winterbury Heights; the staff of Beacon Hospice; and Dr. Vincent Michaud for the compassion, love and care.
Family and friends may visit 10-11 a.m. Thursday, May 3, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer, where a service honoring Irene’s life will begin 11 a.m. as the visitation concludes. Committal and burial will be held 9 a.m. Friday, May 4, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta.