Irene Hartwell

IRENE HARTWELL 

SEPTEMBER 9, 1922-NOVEMBER 23, 2024

The feisty old broad reluctantly gave up on her quest to live forever. At the ripe old age of 102, Irene Hartwell finally succumbed to the relentless deterioration of her body and passed away on the morning of November 23. 

As befits someone of that advanced age, Irene, lived a life containing both eras of bliss and ones of difficulty. Through it all she displayed a quiet determination and resilience in the face of every obstacle that confronted her. Irene was strong willed and sometimes cantankerous, but she could always be counted upon to provide support and comfort to her children as evidenced by her willingness over the years to welcome all of them back to the family home after they experienced difficulties in their lives.

Irene was born on September 9, 1922, in Providence, RI to Walter and Augusta Field. She grew up in working class Providence neighborhoods and attended Catholic schools through high school. She was working on the production line at Frisbie Pies when a NEK transplant delivery driver, Philemon C. Hartwell noticed her because as family lore has it “she had great legs”. Apparently, the attraction was mutual, and they started to see each other. After WWII ended, they married and moved to Vermont.

The family lived in various towns early on, including Lyndonville, Websterville and Milton. Along the way, Philemon M., David and Marilyn were born. The lure of the NEK and in particular the Hartwell stronghold of East Haven led to the purchase an of old farmhouse on 5 acres in Hartwellville. The house was once the headquarters of a veneer mill whose stone foundation ruins provided the children their own personal fort. The fort, the large barn with hayloft and accessible cupola, the island in the adjacent Passumpsic River and the base of East Mountain provided countless opportunities for imagination and adventure. 

Irene started off as a typical 1950’s housewife but she was also the Postmaster for East Haven for 2 years, was on the School Board for a number of terms and served as the Hot Lunch cook for the East Haven School for years. The meal was cooked at her house and transported by sled to the nearby school.

Irene was an excellent cook and baker. Slow simmered beef stew with dumplings, baked beans with salt pork and maple syrup and roast leg of lamb were some of her signature dishes. She also baked great bread, made excellent pies with flaky crust and made the best chocolate chip cookies ever. 

As her husband suffered through his bouts with cancer, Irene once again stepped up and started working as a cook at the Town & Country Restaurant to supplement the family income. She eventually became the primary breadwinner when Phil became unable to work. She continued to work at the Town & Country until it closed its doors.

Irene is survived by her children, Philemon M. Hartwell, David Hartwell, Marilyn Williams; her grandchildren, Laura (Eric) Berlin, Mark (Vickie) Hartwell, Kevin Sleeper, Matt Sleeper, his girlfriend Amanda Boyce and Abigail Lucia; and her great grandchildren, Abe Berlin, Olivia Berlin, Chase Sleeper and Hunter Sleeper. Irene was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her sister Estelle and brother Walter, Jr. 

Per Irene’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours. A private burial service will be held at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.