Irene G. Melanson
February 29, 1924 ~ February 26, 2025
Born in:
Sanford, ME
Resided in:
Sanford, ME
Irene G. Melanson, 100, of Sanford, died Wednesday, February 26, 2025, just three days shy of her 101st birthday.
A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Irene’s long and beautiful life was a testament to love, faith, and family. Born and raised in Sanford, Irene was one of nine children born to Stanislas and Marie Anna (Guillemette) Belanger. She attended local Catholic schools and spent her working years employed in several local shoe shops, contributing to the fabric of her community with dedication and perseverance. In 1944 she married Albert Melanson and together they raised two sons and shared 25 years of marriage until his death in 1969. Irene found joy in life’s simple pleasures—playing cards and board games, watching game shows and soap operas, and cherishing time at her beloved camp on Granny Kent Pond.
Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. As a devoted Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Sanford and a dedicated member of the Ladies of St. Anne. Above all, Irene was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, who held her family close to her heart and cherished every moment spent with them. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Irene is now reunited in eternal peace with her husband, her parents, and her siblings, Leo, Gerard, Emile, Henry, Roland, and Rose. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories in the hearts of those who survive her: her sons, Roland Melanson and his wife Betty of Florida, and Roger Melanson and his wife Donna of Sanford; her four granddaughters, Tammy Nelson and her husband Jarrett of Texas, Crystal Melanson and her husband Michael of Florida, Brittnei Smith of Georgia, and Kendra Woodward and her husband Chris of North Carolina. She is also survived by her sister, Lorraine Thibodeau; her brother, Raymond Belanger; several great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews, and her extended Roy family.
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Irene’s life. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 6th at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 7th at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, North Avenue, Sanford. A memorial luncheon will be held at the funeral home following the funeral mass. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford. Arrangements are under the care of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Irene’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.
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She lived a long loving life.
Always looked forward to ice cream at Shains of Maine . Her smile made our day. Her smile made the world a better place. Thank you for the great memories of having ice cream and your Smile at Shains. RIP Love, Bob and Denise Gouin
RIP beautiful Angel
My Deepest Condolences to Roland and Roger’s family! I’m truly sorry to hear of your Moms passing! She was a beautiful lady .. God Bless you all!
Jerry and Cindy Yeram
My earliest memory of Irene is from my childhood. We lived in the house next to her camp on Granny Kent Pond. I remember waiting to see her car in the driveway so signify she was home. If she was home, I would check the curtains to see if they were open. If the curtains were open, it meant she was awake, and I could go over to visit. When I would visit, we would sit in her rocking chairs and watch TV, we would play cards, or we would sit on the swing outside. She would offer me Pecan Sandies, fresh cucumbers or tomatoes sliced with salt and pepper on them, or a simple lunch or dinner. Whenever I see a bag of Pecan Sandies, even 35 years later, I think of her. I spent many summers visiting her throughout my childhood. These memories will forever be imprinted on my heart. I will always remember how she would rake all the pine needles in her yard every year! She would have bags and bags filled, leaving no pine needles behind!
I would say to Matounte Irene, thank you for all the years of memories with you!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
Our deepest condolences to your family. She will always remain in our hearts. Such a very lovely lady. A treasure not found often, but certainly cherished. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.
To live 100 years gives us all quiet hope. Hope in tomorrow. She instilled that in me. Her smile. Soft voice. The patience she had for everyone around her. Quiet knowledge. How she gave of herself without question. Her friendship when I really did not know many people after having moved a short time prior to Sanford, ME. She made me feel welcomed, always.
God bless you all. Debbie and Tessa.