Irene F (Vickers) Graves

Hampden-Irene Graves (nee Vickers) died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 86. Born in Springfield in 1937, Irene was a devoted wife to Bill who preceded her in death and a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.   Irene graduated from Classical High School and later in life, from Springfield Technical Community College. She worked for many years as a department secretary at Springfield College.

Irene spent the majority of her life in Hampden where she and Bill moved in 1963 to raise their three children. Family was the most important part of her life and she took great joy in family gatherings and taking care of her grandchildren. Irene also enjoyed gardening, shopping, the Boston Red Sox, socializing with her friends and golden retrievers, particularly her last golden, Chance. Irene loved rock music and dancing and was often seen, much to the chagrin of her teenage children, at rock concerts at the Springfield Civic Center back in the late 70s.

Irene was a communicant of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and found great solace and joy in her spiritual life. For many years, she served in the Episcopal Church in the altar guild, as a lay reader, vestry member, Eucharistic minister and diocesan convention delegate. Irene’s church community and faith were extremely important to her.

Irene leaves behind her children, daughter Marcia Porter and husband David of Monson, son David of Monson, and daughter Kristin Hilf and her husband David of Hamilton. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Hayley (Porter) Sprague, Ben Hilf and Daniel Hilf. Irene also leaves her great-grandchildren Russell and Bradley Sprague.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 19, 11 am at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in East Longmeadow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church or Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue in Hudson, Mass.

The family would like to thank the staff at East Village Place and Daybrook Village for their compassionate care of Irene.