Irene Donofrio Tessitore died peacefully on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the Hospice of Palm Beach County unit of Bethesda Memorial Hospital, Boynton Beach, FL after a long life filled with community service, devotion to her church and love for her family. Following a fulfilling professional career and a devotion to volunteering, especially with the Italian-American Society of Connecticut. Irene and her beloved husband Guy relocated to Boynton Beach, FL where she spent more than 25 years. Upon arriving in Boynton Beach, she immersed herself in the events of Boynton Beach Leisureville such as yearly musical productions that were performed for the general public and especially many area nursing homes. Even as she grew older, she continued her community activism. She founded and participated enthusiastically in the Red Hats club, and was a member of both the AARD Sunshine Ladies, and the Boynton Beach Leisureville sewing group. When the local police department formed a neighborhood watch group, she took part in weekly patrols. With family and friends she joyously celebrated her 90th birthday in 2010.
She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years and is survived by her son Gary and his wife Barbara Schaaf Tessitore of New York City, NY and her son Gregg and his wife, Karen Smith of St. Louis, MO; her grandchildren, Marc Tessitore and Lauren Woods; two step-grandchildren, Christopher and Jamie Smith and four great grandchildren, Jack, Lily, Colin and Garett.
A Memorial Service will be held 3pm, Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Boynton Memorial Chapel, Boynton Beach. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bethesda Memorial Fund, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435.