Irene L. Vareschi

07/12/2001

Irene Louise Vareschi, 79, of 83 Cady St. died yesterday at North Adams Regional Hospital. Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, on Aug. 7, 1921, daughter of Edward R. and Ruth Oleson Roberts, she spent her early childhood years in Sweden, where she attended school. She moved to the United States and North Adams at the age of 10 and graduated from the former Notre Dame High School and the former Bliss Business College. She was fluent in Swedish and French, and was first employed as a court stenographer. She later was employed by the former Sprague Electric Co. and Lamb's Stationery Store on Main Street. Before her retirement in 1983, she was employed by the former James Hunter Machine Co. Mrs. Vareschi was a skilled sewer and, for many years, taught sewing in the adult education programs at Drury High School and Hoosac Valley High School in Adams. She was active in Scouting programs, including as a Girl Scout leader and den mother, and also was a longtime leader in the Fresh Air Program. She was given an award of recognition for her many years of service to the program. She was co-founder and charter member of the Cheerios Social Club and a longtime volunteer for the Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce tourist booth on Union Street. She enjoyed reading, teaching, music, gardening and traveling. Her husband, William John Vareschi Sr., whom she married Aug. 23, 1941, died July 30, 1979. She leaves five daughters, Viviane "Penny" Murphy of Williamstown, Suzanne Vareschi, Mary V. McConnell and Karin V. Robert, all of Clarksburg, and Christine D. Knights of Hudson; three sons, William J. Vareschi Jr. of Bonita Bay, Fla., John A. Vareschi of North Adams and Robert A. Vareschi of Hudson; a sister, Vivian Gillooly of Blairsville, Ga.; a brother, George Roberts of the state of Florida; 19 grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. The funeral will be Saturday, July 14, at 9:30 from FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 70 Marshall St., North Adams. Burial in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Friday, July 13, from 4 to 8. Memorial donations are suggested for the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Berkshire Humane Society through the funeral home.

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