Northborough – E. Irene (Friars) Congdon, 91, died peacefully at home Wednesday, March 28, 2012, in the care of her loving family, following an extended illness. Her beloved husband, Walter A. Congdon, predeceased her.
She was the loving mother of Nancy D. Ebbeling of Whitinsville, the late Jeffrey O. Congdon and his wife Paula Congdon of Northborough, and Pamela L. Flanders and her husband James of Northborough. She also leaves her brother, Arthur Couture and his wife Pearl of New Jersey; her grandchildren, Melanie Urban, Paula Ebbeling, Amy Dibello and her husband Martin, Heather Lippert and her husband Keith, Jeffrey Congdon, Corey Flanders and his wife Sara, Nyela Greene and her husband Jody, and Emily Flanders; seven great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Harold G. Friars, Elizabeth F. Gauvin Vigeant, Lillian A. Friars, Mildred L. Friars, Wilberta F. Robinson, Gordon E. Friars, and Martha Couture Arundel.
Born in Shrewsbury, daughter of the late Alvah G. Friars and Beatrice M. (Goodwin) Friars Couture, she had lived in Northborough for many years.
Mrs. Congdon spent most of her life as a homemaker, but did work several different jobs, including food services for some time. She was known as a hard worker, but will be best remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother who loved the simple everyday moments of life.
She was an avid reader, enjoyed learning about alternative healing modalities, gardening around her home, and loved to visit Ogunquit, Maine. Recently, spending time with her great-granddaughter, whom she affectionately called “blue eyes,” and her great-grandson, who liked to sneak cookies from her, brought boundless joy and smiles to her.
The family would like to say “thank you” to cousins Barbara, Elsie, and Mary, as well as the staff of the UMass Memorial Hospice program, especially Susan and Betty, for the loving care shown to Mrs. Congdon during these last several weeks.
Services will be private, with burial at the Howard Street Cemetery of Northborough. There are no visiting hours. The Britton Shrewsbury Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the UMass Memorial Hospice, c/o The Foundation, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester, MA 01613.
