Irene Beauregard Obituary

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of its matriarch, our mother, Nana, and Gigi, Irene M. Beauregard at the young age of 94. Irene was the widow of Alfred (Fred) Beauregard and the daughter of the late George L. and Mary L. Galligan Durant.
Irene was a lifelong parishioner of St. Lawrence Martyr Church, carrying on the Galligan family legacy in the parish. She was a longtime volunteer at Holy Family-Holy Name School, even long after her grandchildren graduated. Irene was a former member of the Infant of Prague Guild of St. Mary's Home, Catholic Woman's Club, and New Bedford Junior Women's Club, and she was the chairperson of the Class of 1947 New Bedford High School Reunion Committee.
Irene was a stay-at-home mom while the boys were small and later forged her way into the business world at the New Bedford School Department and later retired from the New England Telephone Company (now Verizon). She spent many years in retirement managing Fred's insurance business.
Irene was always impeccably dressed, often wearing her handmade knitted sweaters. Makeup was a must before anyone could see her, even during her hospital stays. Irene was a superb cook, a fantastic entertainer, and enjoyed a fine glass of Chardonnay with ice (not Kendall Jackson!) well into her 90's.
Irene remained as sharp as could be until her passing and could carry on a conversation about sports, politics, current events, and family history until the end. She always had sports on her television and her Facebook page open on her tablet. She especially loved The Today Show, and in 2020 she was featured in an episode where Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush surprised her for her 90th birthday. This video now has over 100,000 views and has spread Irene's infectious laughter around the world.
She is survived by her sons, Steven A. Beauregard and wife Cheryl and John R. Beauregard and wife, Jacqueline. Irene always said that Cheryl and Jackie were like daughters to her, and they treated her like their adopted mother. She also leaves her grandchildren, Dr. Jessica M. (Beauregard) Besen and her husband, Dr. Justin Besen and their children Connor and Logan, Erin N. Beauregard, Jason A. Beauregard and his significant other Shelby Rice, Katelyn M. Beaubrook, her wife, Elizabeth and their daughter Sloane, and Allison R. Beauregard. Irene had many nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren, including her special cousins Kathleen Moore and Carol Aldrich. She never failed to recognize a birthday or special event. Although many friends and acquaintances have passed, she is survived by her good friends Betty O'Connor, Beverly Zexter, and Helen Burt.
Irene was predeceased by her brothers Robert J. Durant and Col. John J. Durant and her sisters, Ruth M. Ross and Mary L. Fish and her grandson Matthew John Beauregard.
Her Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday February 8th at 10 AM at St. Lawrence Martyr Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday February 7th from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the scholarship fund in her name at St. Teresa of Calcutta School or St. Lawrence Martyr Church Restoration Fund. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
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