Irene Mary Ionson

Irene Mary Ionson, cherished matriarch of our family, passed away at the age of 100 on September 23rd, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion and perseverance which spans generations.

She is survived by her three children: James Ionson, Scott Ionson, and Cynthia Jahn. She also leaves behind four Grandchildren and five Great Grandchildren. Albert Ionson (“Abbie”), her husband and cherished partner for 71 years passed away in 2019.

Born August 17th, 1925 in Lawrence, MA., her early years were sometimes challenging and, with the help of her siblings, she left home to work as a waitress while still a young teenager. Even at such a young age, she made a commitment that her own family and children would grow up in a loving household, and “she kept her commitments!” As a young adult, she became a registered nurse and worked many years at Boston City Hospital, meeting and marrying her husband Abbie in 1948.

She had her first child in 1950 and this began her chosen profession of mother, matriarch, Cub Scout pack leader and Campfire Girls Leader. She was a mother that always listened, always gave good advice and practiced patience and resilience.

She loved needlepoint, card games and playing Mahjong but her real talent was how she managed challenge and stress. We all walk different paths in life but “how” we travel along those chosen paths is what really matters. Her approach was to travel with confidence and good humor, to help those in need along the way, to keep moving forward, and always remember: “go one day at a time”.

Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on through the lives she touched and the family she so dearly loved. Quoting from one of her favorite passages:

“I won’t be far away, for life goes on, But if you need me, call and I will come…..”

She will be buried with Abbie in Reading, MA where they started their lives together.

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