Irene M. (South) Hutchings, 96, formerly of Mattapoisett died after a long illness at Emeritus of Dartmouth Village on September 14, 2012. She was the widow of the late Dr. Charles E. Hutchings.
Irene was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Parish of Mattapoisett.
Born in Braidwood, New South Wales, Australia, Irene was the daughter of the late Herbert and Irene (McGrath) South. She moved to the United States in 1946 to marry her beloved American GI whom she had met during WWII. In 1963 Irene became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Before moving to the U.S. Irene worked as a governess, nurse, and midwife in Australia. She became a registered nurse in the U.S. and worked at Taber Street Nursing Home in New Bedford for more than 30 years. In her earlier years Irene enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, gardening, playing tennis, and horseback riding.
She is survived by two daughters: Joan L. Hutchings of Mattapoisett, Rose L. D’Arezzo and her husband Robert of South Kingstown, RI; three sons: Charles S. Hutchings and his wife Carolyn of Lansdale, PA; Jon R. Hutchings and his companion Kathryn Pohlmeyer of Beltsville, MD; and David E. Hutchings and his companion Susan Cronin of Lakeville, MA. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Nicole Anthony and Brandon D’Arezzo of RI; Stephen, William, Ian, Marie, and Jon Hutchings of PA; Sarah Donovan and Eric Hutchings of MA; Peter Hutchings of Hawaii and one Great Grand-Child, Cormac Ryan of RI. Irene was the sister of the late Robert, Charles, and Frank South and Peg Bowen.
Irene’s final years were enriched by the loving and caring staff of Elm Cottage.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 12 Noon. Private burial will follow in the Old North Cemetery, North Truro, MA. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. For on-line guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.