Irene Baker Meleschuk (Ingalls), age 94, of Tewksbury, formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacfully at home surrounded by her loving family on September 13, 2017.
Irene was born on April 18, 1923; she was the cherished only daughter to Milo and Mabel (Saunders) Ingalls. Irene was born, raised, and educated in Wilmington and she was a graduate of Wilmington High School with the Class of 1941.
Irene’s life was all about family and helping others; Irene always put other’s needs before her own and she brought so much joy to everyone with her upbeat personality, her kindness, and her ability to care for others.
Irene’s love for her family was unconditional; she was an incredible mother who was always supportive of her children and was there for them at every milestone of their life. When Irene became a grandmother her world was even more enriched she always had so much love to go around and she looked forward to the visits from her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-granchildren ;she knew just how to calm the babies and was known as the “Baby Whisperer”. Irene was always so proud of her family and it was evident every time she spoke of them.
Irene was a terrific homemaker who had an “open door” policy when it came to her family and their friends; everyone was always welcome. Irene was a good cook and baker; she was known for her famous chocolate cake and she could always stretch a meal to not only feed her seven children but their friends as well. She never wanted to leave anyone out.
Irene was born to be a care-giver; she was right there to take care of her parents when their health declined and her husband Bob when his illness made his final days difficult. She became a hospice volunteer and befriended every patient she took care of. Irene also spent lot of time at the nursing home where her husband Ed was a patient; she jumped right in to help the nursing staff in caring and feeding other patients that needed her help and she was glad to do it. Irene’s selfless acts of love and kindness towards others was a testament to a the wonderful lady that she was every day of her life.
Irene also had her spunky side; she was the most stylish lady in town, never a hair out of place and an impeccable appearance. She also enjoyed her trips to Foxwoods with her family and friends just to try her luck and she was known to be and AVID Patriots fan.
Irene will be fondly remembered as a “one of a kind” lady; she was loving, kind and willing to help anyone in need. Irene always showed so much strength throughout her life and made the best of every situation. Irene loved her family and friends with all her heart and she will forever be missed.
Irene was the beloved wife of Edward Meleschuk and the late Robert I. Baker, Sr., devoted mother of Jeannette R. McEnroe & her late husband Joe of Elkton, FL, Edward Meleschuk & his wife Desiree of Charlotte, NC, Robert I. Baker, Jr. & his wife Cathy, Alice W. Volpe & her husband Bob all of Wilmington, Dorothy A. Clark & her husband Dan of Worcester, Liz Alexander & her husband David of Methuen, Jerry J. Baker of Windham, NH, loving grandmother Susan M. Tyler of Ocala, FL, Lynda H. Steinbrecher of Middleburg, FL, Julie I. Martinez of Londonderry, NH, Ted McEnroe & his wife Rachel of Andover, Audrey Lalitica & her husband David of Londonderry, NH, Edward L. Meleschuk, Desiree I. Meleschuk both of Charlotte, NC, Ruby I. Baker-Gallant of Lynn, Robert I. Baker III of RI, Lori B. Volpe, Adam R. Volpe & his wife Trish all of Wilmington, Andrew B. Volpe of Lowell, Meaghan Barrette & her husband Bob of Marlboro, Samantha I. Clark and Sarah A. Clark of CA, Daniel Clark of Worcester, Christine Alexander & her partner Fred Foss, David H. Alexander all of Methuen, Amanda J. Warford & her husband Tom of Wilmington, Jeremy and Emily Baker of Windham, NH, great-grandmother of Faithe E. Toomy & her partner Jenn Haskell of Haverhill, Ainslie Innamorati & her husband Peter of Hudson, James Toomy & his wife Lauren of Hudson, Paige Martinez of Missouri, David Lalitica of Londonderry, NH, CJ and Tom Steinbrecher of Worcester, Sunshine and Cody Bastis and Chloe Gallant of Lynn, Summer A. Beals of Wilmington, Timothy and Harrison Foss of Methuen, Brynlee and Taylin Barrette of Marlboro, Braydon, Finn and Ryleigh Warford of Wilmington, Kate McEnroe of Andover, great-great Grandmother of Bella, Lilli and Andrew Innamorati of Hudson, Sadie Quinn and CoraLee Toomy of Hudson, cherished daughter of the late Milo L. and Mabel (Saunders) Ingalls, dear sister of the late John Ingalls, Charles Ingalls, Adelbert Ingalls and Milo Ingalls. Irene is also adored her cats Milo and Mabel and she is further survived by many nieces, nephews, friends.
Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service at the Wilmington Congregational Church, 220 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Tuesday, September 19th at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Monday, September 18th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Irene’s name may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Bldg. 9, Lawrence, MA 01843.
Irene’s family would like a special thank you to go out to her grandson David who took incredible care of her over the last few years, her neighbors Mike, Danielle, and Steve who always checked in on her and Ed, her nurses Judy and Sheileen and the VNA Hospice who cared for her, and Kathy her hairdresser and friend who made her look beautiful.
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