August 23, 1926 – July 5, 2022
Irene Ruth (Werre) Dillon, leaving a legacy of light and love, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2022, at the age of 95, surrounded by the love of her friends and family.
She was born in Stoneham, MA on August 23, 1926, to William and Ida (Howard) Werre. She and her three sisters, Claire, Margie and Alma spent an idyllic, carefree childhood in Stoneham. She proudly graduated from Stoneham High School. In 1949, she married Donald Dillon of Stoneham, and they raised their four children in Stoneham then Reading, MA.
After graduating high school, Irene attended secretarial school and worked for several years at J.H.Winn and Son, where she made many lifelong friendships. While raising her family, Irene worked for the American Red Cross and Reading Public Schools as an educational assistant. She was a beloved neighbor and friend and throughout her life, she maintained friendships with her Stoneham and Reading friends and their children.
Irene had many interests and talents. She loved gardening, being outdoors, dancing, singing, cooking wonderful meals, reading, writing, traveling and being at the beach. She shared beautiful, handwritten notes that were treasured by her family and friends. She and Don loved to travel to visit her sisters in Connecticut, Vermont and South Carolina. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Irene and Don built a cozy getaway in Alfred, Maine, where they spent many happy seasons with friends and family. She loved the four seasons of New England, and gathering leaves, blueberries, shells and flowers. She loved York Beach, especially the Fourth of July celebrations at her son and daughter-in-law’s home. Her always requested homemade chili, pickles and cookies were family favorites at the beach. She loved watching the Red Sox and going out to lunch or dinner with friends. She was known for giving the best hugs and doting on her sweet grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her greatest joy was her family, her beloved husband, Don, their four children, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She created a welcoming and loving home for her family as well as countless extended family and friends. Don and Irene hosted many celebrations and parties, and all were welcome to share in the love and laughter around their table at 217 High Street, which they fondly named ‘The Fun House’. In 2009, Irene moved to Belmont, NH, where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law for nearly thirteen years.
Her gentle, kind and loving presence will be cherished in memory by her children, Dr. William Dillon and his wife, Phyllis, Richard Dillon and his wife Sandra, Laurie Hart and her husband, Bill, and Jack Dillon and his wife, Marilyn. She was beloved Grammie to her grandchildren, Jean Dillon, Danny Dillon and his wife, Caroline, Alyssa Dillon, Sarah Husband and her husband, Justin, and Julia Dillon. Her beloved great-grandsons, Luke, Finnegan and Gideon brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her cousin, Lila Cusson. In addition, Irene leaves her treasured nieces and nephews and their children, her step-grandchildren as well as many wonderful friends. In addition to her Husband, parents and sisters, Irene was predeceased by her beloved niece, Elaine.
Visitation hours from 10 am to 12 pm, Friday, July 8th at McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main Street, Stoneham. A funeral service will be held at noon, following the visiting hours. Interment to follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody, MA. In memory of Irene, memorial donations may be made to any organization that serves veterans or children.
