Irene L. (Towle)(Smith) Arsenault

ORANGE- Irene L. (Towle)(Smith) Arsenault, 80, of Pine Hill Road, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 after being stricken ill.

Born in Athol on January 22, 1943, she was the daughter of Frederick A. and Emma L. (Deschenes) Towle and grew up in the Tully section of Orange and graduated from Ralph C. Mahar Regional in 1960.

Irene Married Fred W. Arsenault on May 20, 1972 and they have enjoyed 51 years of marriage.

Irene had worked for Catholic Charities before retiring and had  previously worked at Quabbin Valley Healthcare, The Eastern Star Home, Erving Paper Mill, J. F. McElwain Shoe and N. D. Cass Co.

Family meant the most to Irene and she also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, puzzles (including cross words) and reading.

Irene had been a member of the former Bethany Lutheran Church in Orange.

Survivors include her husband, Fred Arsenault Jr. of Orange; her children, Edward Smith and his wife, Lynn, of Florida, Clinton Smith of Orange and Leah Woodard and her husband, John, of Athol; grandchildren, Emily Woodard and Sophia Woodard; and many nephews and nieces.

Besides her parents, Irene was predeceased by brothers, Frederick Towle (2011) and Austin Towle (2019) and her sisters, Fern Partridge (2000) and Jean Stewart (2023), as well  as her first husband, Edward Smith (1971).

Calling hours will be held on January 5, 2024 from 9:30- 11:30 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A funeral service will follow in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m.

Interment will be in Tully Cemetery, Orange, following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Town of Athol- memo N.Q. Animal Shelter, c/o  Athol Police Dept., 280 Exchange Street, Athol, MA 01331.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNRALHOME.COM

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