Irene M. Harkins

Harkins, Irene M.  (Berestecki) of Norwell, formerly of Hingham, passed away, February 18, 2023, peacefully and without pain with her devoted and loving husband of 54 years, Charles F.  (Chuck) Harkins Jr., at her bedside. Irene (aka Ireneski to many) always with a smile on her face and love in her heart worked very hard to overcome her many health hurdles. Irene and Chuck were devoted to each other and their love made each of them stronger together. Chuck will solely miss her and their life together.

Irene born in Boston the daughter of Sophia (Stokowski) and Michael Berestecki on June 30, 1943 later moved to Norwell with her parents. In addition to her parents, Irene was predeceased by her brother Michael Berestecki and his wife Annie.

Irene and Chuck first met when they were both working at General Dynamics in Quincy.  When Chuck started working at General Dynamics his mother mentioned that she and Irene’s mother had been friends in Dorchester years before and suggested that he stop by to meet Irene. He did and they fell in love right away. They dated throughout the year and married on May 11, 1968.

Irene and Chuck moved to Hingham and lived there for many years before moving to Norwell. Irene had many hobbies and began ceramics classes in the late 70s where she met her great friend, Toni Manning. She loved her gardens and coffee by the pool. Everyone knew how much she loved her mother and daughter cats, Peekaboo and Mindy.

Irene worked for many years at Jack Conway headquarters in Norwell doing listing control and later in the Technology Department before retiring in 2005. Irene belonged to South Shore Corvette Club and later the South Coastal Corvette Club and enjoyed going on their trips and their many dinners.  

In addition to Chuck, Irene leaves Chuck’s brother William Harkins of Boston and her loving niece and nephew, Kristin (Harkins) Parnell and William Harkins Jr. both of Hingham as well as her cousin, Bo Berestecky, and their extended families.

Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend visiting hours March 3, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham.

Her Funeral Mass  will be Celebrated on Saturday March 4 at 10am in  Our Lady of the Angels Church ( St. Mary’ s Church)  392 Hanover St., Hanover, Ma 02339. 

Burial in Stetson Meadow Cemetery, Norwell.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the UOAA (The United Ostomy Association of America)

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