Irene A. Hambleton

Irene A. Hambleton, 95, passed away peacefully on March 6th, surrounded by her family.

Irene was the daughter of Peter and Albina Zalanskas and was raised and educated in Lawrence, MA. She was a proud graduate of Lawrence High School, Class of 1945.

Irene was a dedicated wife to her beloved husband, the late Robert W. Hambleton, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage and five children.

Predeceased by her daughter Judi Radice, Irene is survived by her daughters Susan Constantineau and her husband John of Methuen, MA, Nancy Vaillancourt and her husband Dave of Pine Point, ME, sons David Hambleton and his wife Pat of Mooresville, NC and Tom Hambleton and his wife Karen of Salem, NH. Irene will be fondly remembered as Mimi and Great-Mimi by her eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

For 25 years, Irene found joy as a stay-at-home mom. While raising her five children she was very involved in their school life and enjoyed being a part of the high school Booster Club and attended many school committee meetings. She was an advocate for all children, often calling the local radio station, WCCM, and the Lawrence Eagle Tribune’s “sound-off” column advocating for all the students and athletes of Lawrence High School to improve their quality of education and organized sports teams. Irene always welcomed her childrens’ school friends into her home and was truly interested and involved with everyone’s lives.

In 1977, she transitioned into a role as a teacher's aide for kindergarten and first-grade students at General Donovan and Arlington Schools in Lawrence, MA, relishing her experience of working with children. She retired from teaching at the age of 72.

For many years Irene and her family enjoyed spending time at Old Orchard Beach and Pine Point, Maine.

Always on top of fashion, Irene loved keeping up with the current styles and enjoyed her weekly trips to the salon.

Caring for and pampering her pets, including dogs, cats, and rabbits, which she had many of throughout the years, brought her immense joy.

Irene found pleasure in watching sports, especially when her children were playing. She had a passion for tennis and had the opportunity to attend the US Open in NYC multiple times.

Her beautiful blue eyes, joyful laugh, conversations around her kitchen table, and her “million-dollar fudge” are just a few things that will be missed by many.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday March 13, 2024 from 10 am to Noon at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. Funeral services will follow the visitation at Noon on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be private. To leave an online condolence, please visit Irene’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Vintage Pet Rescue of Rhode Island, a rescue for senior dogs. (vintagepetrescue.org)

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