HAMPSTEAD — Mary I. “Irene” Welch, 88, longtime resident of Hendersonville, Tenn., died Monday, July 19, 2021, at Woodbury Wellness Center.
She was born Feb. 23, 1933, to the late George and Mary Bonin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Welch; and sister, Audrey Rouse.
Irene was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Brooklyn, New York, and proud member of the Leo Honor Society. She worked for the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company on Long Island, New York, as a claims analyst. After retiring in 1990, Irene and Charles moved to Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Irene, a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, was instrumental in the founding of “Ladies Friendship Circle.” She enjoyed gardening and travel, but was happiest when she was surrounded by family. She loved to cook and host family celebrations and holidays.
She is survived by her children, Suzanne Zellem (Dr. Ronald Zellem), Patrice Walsh (Kevin Walsh) and Joseph Welch (Alona Welch); six grandchildren; Dr. Robert (Kristen) Zellem, Jennifer (Ryan) Reed, Katie (John) Gibson, Michael Walsh, Dr. Kelly (Kyle) Postlethwait and Gregory Welch; and four great-grandchildren, Aurora, Freja and Ronin Reed and Emma Gibson.
A funeral Mass will be held at noon, Tuesday, July 27, at St. Therese Catholic Church , Wrightsville Beach, followed by inurnment at St. Mark’s Columbarium, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
