Irene M. Bunnell

October 30, 1925 - March 12, 2015

CANAAN, VT -- Mrs. Irene M. Bunnell, 89, of South Canaan, died peacefully on Thursday afternoon, March 12, 2015, at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook with her family by her side. She was born in Detroit, Mich., on Oct. 30, 1925, a daughter to the late Joseph and Marge (Godo) Roberts. Irene was a graduate of Colebrook Academy in 1944. Irene was a dedicated homemaker and mother for her entire adult life, and she also spent 20 years as the head teller at the Farmers & Traders Bank, retiring in 1982. She was a member of the Monadnock Congregational Church and the church’s Unity Club for more than 60 years, serving on most of the church boards at one time or another. In 1994, Irene was honored to be named the Kiwanis Lay Person of the Year. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 52 years, and a 50-year member of the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. She loved to be outdoors, whether it be working in her garden or on the wood pile. One of her greatest joys, along with her family, was hosting the annual Memorial Day family reunion at her home, which they did for more than 50 years. She is survived by her son, Earl A. Bunnell II and wife Pamela of Colebrook; one who was considered as close as a son, Ronald Gadwah and wife Karen of Hampton, NH, and Ron’s daughter, Kara Payer Sweatt; a sister, Shirley Pearson of Grand Rapids, Mich., two nieces and a nephew. Irene is predeceased by her beloved husband of more than 62 years, Earl A. Bunnell in 2011; and her daughter, Vickie Bunnell in 1997. Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 16, 2015, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook, NH. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at the Monadnock Congregational Church in Colebrook with The Rev. Rebecca Larson officiating. Interment will follow in the spring at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Bunnell may be made to the Monadnock Congregational Church, 24 Parsons St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.