February 20, 2024

OBITUARY: Sister Irene Comeau, SSJ

REGIONAL

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – Sister of St. Joseph Irene Comeau (formerly Sister Paul Joseph), 93, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died on Feb. 13, 2024 at Bethany Health Care Center, Framingham, Mass.

Born in Providence, R.I., she was the daughter of Rodolphe and Claire (Lavallee) Comeau.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of LePuy in Fall River, Mass., from Christ the King Parish, West Warwick, R.I. in 1947. She became a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield when the two congregations merged in 1974. She graduated from St. Mary Academy in Bay View, R.I. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Regis College, Weston, Mass., and a master of arts degree from Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn.

She taught in the Diocese of Fall River at St. Jean Baptiste School, Blessed Sacrament School, St. Roch School, St. Matthew School, all in Fall River; St. Michael, Ocean Grove; St. Joseph, New Bedford; and St. Michael, Swansea. She also taught at St. Joseph Montessori and Dominican Academy in Fall River. She ministered at Newport County Catholic School, Middletown, R.I., and at St. Joseph School, Conway, Arkansas. She volunteered at Mont Marie Child Care Center in Holyoke and at The Gray House in Springfield. She retired at St. Joseph Residence at Mont Marie in Holyoke before moving to Framingham.

In addition to her sisters in community, she is survived by her sister-in-law Joan Comeau and a nephew, Roland Comeau, several cousins, and close friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Rodolphe and Claire Comeau, and a niece, Denise Marie Comeau.

All services were to take place in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton St., Holyoke, Tuesday, Feb. 20. Burial will be in Mont Marie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.