Irene H. (Baginski) Dearden

WATERVILLE – Irene H. (Baginski) Dearden, 91, passed away peacefully on Aug. 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving children, who will miss her dearly.

Irene was born April 10, 1932, in Holyoke, Mass., to Joseph and Katherine (Sierzega) Baginski. She was the youngest of five children. Irene graduated Cum Laude and salutatorian in 1953 from the University of Mass.-Amherst with a BS in Food Technology and Mathematics. She was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and a recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi awards.

After graduation Irene worked as a food chemist at the First National stores in Somerville, Mass., then married Donald A. Dearden April 24,1954, and relocated to Maine. She enjoyed being a “stay at home mom” and worked part-time at Seton Hospital and Rosenthal Investments until the sudden death of her husband. Irene returned to school and obtained her Maine teaching certification K-12 from the University of Maine and later her Master’s in Education from the University of Maine at Orono. Irene taught mathematics for 27 years at Lawrence Junior High with a fantastic group of teachers but more importantly, friends. Upon retirement, she continued her love for education by substituting for many more years.

Irene was a member of the Waterville’s Woman’s Club, The Contemporary Club, Parents Without Partners, various bridge groups and taught Sunday school at Sacred Heart Parish. She was a member of the NEA, MEA, Kennebec Retired Teachers Association, and the Red Hats.

Being an avid sports enthusiast, she enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s various sports. She was a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins along with any other sport on television which she enjoyed conversing about with others.

Not only was she a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother but her talents in the kitchen created the most delicious meals. Her greatest joys were having family together for holidays and going to the beach each summer. Irene enjoyed “Thursday coffee” with her teaching colleagues and going to the casino with her children and friends.

She was eternally thankful for all the support she received from family, friends, and neighbors in helping raise her family as a single parent.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Donald in 1970, and her son Donnie in 2007. She will be deeply missed by her son, David (Anette) Dearden, daughters, Kathy Simmons (Terry Martelle), Judy Morgan (Clyde Moody), Sue (Chris) Girouard, and Nancy (Dondi) Best. Her loving grandchildren are Katie (Colin) Wetherill, Chris Morgan, Michael (Celia) Morgan, Suzanne (Gary) Parrill, Lauren (Jake) Verhey, Sarah Girouard, Katherine Dearden, Isaak Dearden, Julia Dearden, Nick Best, and Malory Best. Her adorable great-grandchildren are Brinley and Bennett Wetherill, Crusoe and Finn Morgan, Zachary Parrill, and Everett and Will Morgan. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all her at-home caregivers and the staff at Maine General Comfort Care who showed so much love and support.

There will be a funeral Mass at Norte Dame Church 116 Silver Street, Waterville, on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 62 Walnut Street,

Suite 5

Wellesley, MA 02481

(JDRF.org)