Irene W. Jacques

IRENE WALSH JACQUES 3/7/1931-6/8/2023 Irene W. Jacques, 92, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2023, at her home in Springvale, ME, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Duluth, MN, on March 7, 1931, she was a first generation American of British immigrants. While still a child, her family moved to the booming mill town of Sanford where she eventually met her love, Roland Jacques. Four years after graduating from Sanford High School, Irene joined Roland in Fairbanks, AK, where he was stationed by the Air Force, marrying on March 14, 1953. She loved telling this story and forever remained incredulous of her own bravery in leaving home. Little did she know then that it was only the beginning of many new and exciting places in which they would live worldwide for the next 20 years. Retirement settled them back in their childhood hometown of Sanford where they raised three children. As a homemaker, Irene devoted her time, love, and attention to her family and perfected her skills in crafting, sewing, quilting, and knitting. She also served in various ministries at Notre Dame Church in Springvale, and provided civic services for Welcome Wagon, Census, and the Voting Polls. After seeing their children through college, marriages, and grandchildren, Irene and Roland assumed the snowbird life by traveling to Holiday, FL every winter for many years. Irene loved the beach as it was her happy place. She also loved playing cards with family and friends, adding fun and laughter as the main rule of play. A day never passed without several cups of tea, qualifying it with "Well, I'm English you know!" Dancing was a favorite pastime, from square dancing in the bull rings of Spain to line dancing well into her 80's. Her zest for life was matched by her kindness, charm, and affable nature. Her cheerful disposition always made it fun to be around her and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. . Irene and Roland were married for 61 years, until his death in 2014. She was also preceded in death by her son Brett Jacques in 2021. She is survived by Brett's wife Pamela and his two sons Chace and Corbin; by her daughter Catherine and her husband Peter Taft and their four children, Aaron, (wife Alyssa, children Avery and Amelia), Daniel, (fiancé Katelyn), Rachel, and John; by her son Jeffrey and his four children lan, Emily, Owen, and Ashley; by her sister Bette and her husband, Howard; by several nieces and nephews; and by many special friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21, at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located at 66 North Avenue, Sanford. Interment will follow at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, 83 Stanley Road, Springvale. Please join family and friends for a reception at Black Funeral Home at 580 Main Street, Springvale. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.