Irene (Connor) Loiselle, 97, of New Bedford, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. She was the daughter of James and Alice (Eaves) Connor. Irene married Ray Loiselle and together they raised two children in the home they built overlooking Clarks Cove in New Bedford. She was employed by the Acushnet Company for 42 years where she made lasting friendships and many fond memories.

Irene lived her life with kindness, empathy, gratitude, a warm smile, a playful sense of humor, and maintained a strong sense of fairness and equality for all. She was a loving wife, an amazing mother and considered the ultimate role model by her children. She cherished her nieces and nephews and was a good friend and neighbor to many.

Irene had many interests throughout her life. Among them were the outdoor activities she shared with her family including summers boating on Buzzards Bay, yearly visits to New Hampshire and Maine, and RV camping. She loved reading, rooting for the Celtics and Red Sox, and was an incredibly lucky poker player. Irene was passionate about music and in her late eighties discovered her talent for singing and performing. She appreciated the beauty in nature, the colors, flowers, birds at her birdbath and amazing sunsets over the water. She adored animals, caring for many cats and dogs throughout her life. She relished her mornings out for breakfast with her friends Ruth and Toni, and the many senior bus trips they enjoyed together. To those who knew Irene, her love of sweets was legendary.

Irene saw good in everyone and shared her love of people and life wherever she went, smiling and waving as she passed by. For her, every day was a "beautiful day" to be shared.

Irene is survived by her son, Paul Loiselle of New Bedford, daughter, Anne Jonas and her husband, John Magnan of Mattapoisett, many nieces and nephews, and her friend, Vivian Bird. She was predeceased by her husband, Ray Loiselle, brother, Joseph Connor, and her friends, Ruth Russell and Toni Balestracci. The family thanks the Southcoast VNA Hospice and the Nephrology staff at Hawthorn Medical for their kindness and care for Irene.

A visitation will be held, Monday, July 29th from 4-6pm including a tribute to Irene's life at 5:45pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home, 495 Park Street, New Bedford. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers a donation in Irene's memory may be made to the American Kidney Fund or the Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.