Irene M. Newell

RUMFORD — Irene M. Newell, 89, of Mexico, passed away on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 at Rumford Hospital, following a brief illness, with loving family at her side.

She was born in Rumford, Feb. 22, 1923, a daughter of Lawrence and Rose (Arsenault) McPhee. Irene was a graduate of Dixfield High School. She was employed as a product inspector at Diamond Match in West Peru for many years. Irene was a communicant of Parish of the Holy Savior.

She loved playing bingo, playing cards with her friends and doing word puzzles. Irene was an avid Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. She most of all loved spending time with her family, especially at her daughter, Debra, and son-in-law, Dennis’ camp on Long Lake in Bridgton.

She will be deeply missed and in our hearts forever.

Surviving are her children, Robert L. Foreman of Peru, Lawrence Newell of North Conway, N.H., Debra Hamel of Bridgton; a brother, Ernest McPhee of Rumford; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Lundie Conti, her second husband, Lev Foreman, and husband, Charles Newell; three sons, James Conti, Michael Foreman and Charles Newell III; three brothers, Melvin, Arthur and Everett McPhee; and three sisters, Olive Comeau, Eva Perry and Dorothy Thoreau.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences, and fond memories with the family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com. Visiting hours were held on Tuesday, Jan. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. at S.G. Thibault Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 11 a.m. at Parish of the Holy Savior. Spring interment will be in St. John Cemetery.

If so desired, contributions in Irene’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are under the care of S.G. Thibault Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 250 Penobscot Street, Rumford.