Irene L. Girard

Irene "Tootsie" L. Girard, age 89, of Plaistow NH, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on September 30, 2022, after a short period of declining health.  Born in Manchester NH, Irene was the daughter of the late Athanase and Bernadette (Pelletier) Provencher, and the youngest of seven siblings.

After graduation from Manchester Central High School, Irene worked at a local hardware store as a secretary where she met the love of her life and future husband, Joseph H.R. Girard. They married in 1953, embarking on a worldwide journey as Joe began his career as an officer in the US Air Force. Moving frequently, Irene established a loving home while raising three young daughters. Homes in Texas, Japan, Maine, California, both Dakotas and Guam were just some of the assignments Irene managed while Joe was on mission. Upon his retirement, the family returned to reside in Greenland, NH. Irene and Joe then began traveling the world again, this time as tourists.  After Joe's passing in 2017, Irene moved to Plaistow NH to live with her two daughters and son-in law.

Irene was an avid gardener, painter, seamstress, chef, Master Wordle player and card shark. She was involved in numerous volunteer organizations throughout her life, including through the Catholic Church, Officers Wives Clubs at various USAF bases, Girl Scouting, and the GFCW Greenland Ladies Club.

Described as sweet and loving, her calm and graceful demeanor charmed everyone. Her true, easy smile and quiet humor lit the room, even in the toughest of times.

Irene was predeceased by her husband, Colonel Joseph H.R. Girard, in 2017. She was also predeceased by her three brothers: Emile Provencher and his wife Jesse; Leon Provencher; and George W. Provencher and his wives, Lucille (Cote) Provencher and Rita (St. Pierre) Provencher; three sisters and their husbands: Marcelle and Raymond LaMontagne;  Therese and Harold Tremblay; and Claire Marsolais and her former husband, Paul R. Marsolais.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Priscille Provencher of Vernon CT; daughters Karen and her husband Rolan Rister, Patricia Girard and her husband David Horn, and Laura Girard; grandchildren Jason Rister and wife Frances; Aaron Rister; and Kalyn Neel and her husband Frederick; step grandsons: Matthew Horn and his wife Ashley; and Alex Horn; and many loving nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A Christian memorial service will be held at the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, 172 King Street, Boscawen, NH on Wednesday, October 26th at 10am. The family requests masks be worn for inside services. Committal prayers and interment with her beloved husband will immediately follow at the NH State Veteran Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (NH), P.O. Box 10538, Bedford, NH 03110.