Irene Clarke Woolven

On Monday morning, November 11, 2019, Irene Clarke Woolven of Somers, CT passed away at her daughter’s home in Danbury, CT of complications from lung cancer at the age of 76. 

Irene was born on January 9, 1943 at United Hospital in Port Chester, NY to Peter and Irene Clarke. She graduated from Phelps Memorial School of Nursing in 1965 and worked as an LPN until obtaining her Associate Degree in Nursing from Pace University in 1974, becoming an RN. Her career led her to work in several different specialties including pediatrics, drug and alcohol detox, mental health and correctional nursing. She did this while living in a variety of locations: New York, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

Irene was a loving mother and proud grandmother. She enjoyed going to church, shopping, rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots, her Irish heritage, and the simple pleasure of connecting on the phone with family and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and laughing to the point of tears was considered the mark of a successful day. She was generous to a fault, kindhearted, impulsive, strong willed and a champion of the underdog. She epitomized the essence of true friendship, maintaining close relationships over decades with many loving and creative people. She was truly one of a kind.

Irene was preceded in death by her mother Irene, father Peter, and beloved brothers Frank and Bob. She is survived by her former husband Stan Woolven (Mary) of Naples, FL, and their four children: Erin (Mark) of Danbury, CT, Clarke (Amy) of Port Washington, NY, Casey (Kathy) of New Fairfield, CT, and Glennis (Eddie) of Burlington, NC. Also, she is survived by four grandchildren: Liam and Caitlin, Donovan and Kennedy, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and Blessing, her yellow lab. 

A memorial mass will be held at St. Roch’s Church, 10 St. Roch Ave. Greenwich, CT on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11 a.m. A short burial ceremony will immediately follow at St Mary’s Cemetery, 1 High St Rye Brook, NY.  If you wish, donations may be made in her name to Ann’s Place, 80 Saw Mill Rd Danbury, CT 06810. 
 

“We do not need to grieve for the dead. Why should we grieve for them? They are now in a place where there is no more shadow, darkness, loneliness, isolation or pain. They are home.”  ~John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irene Clarke Woolven, please visit our floral store.