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Irene Margaret Shay

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Irene Margaret Shay

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Irene Margaret Shay, 81, of Albany will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin. Father Edward Vebelun, OSB will officiate and burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Irene passed away peacefully Saturday morning surrounded by her family. There will be a visitation from 4:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, February 4th and again after 10:00 AM Wednesday in the parish hall across from the church. Parish prayers will be at 7:30 PM Tuesday evening. Arrangements are being made with Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in Albany.

Irene was born on June 7, 1932 in Melrose to Henry and Anna (Kettler) Mueller. She grew-up with seven siblings and graduated from Melrose High School. Irene married Ronald Shay on June 4, 1957 and together they raised five children. After working the farm with her husband, and when her children were older, she had worked outside the home at Golden Plump in Cold Spring and as a Nurse’s Aide at Mother of Mercy in Albany. Irene kept herself busy by crocheting, quilting, bird watching, bowling, and dancing. She especially enjoyed word-find puzzles, gambling on the penny slots, and playing card with her girlfriends. Irene liked watching “The Price Is Right,” “Wheel of Fortune,” and the “David Letterman Show.” She loved spending quality time with her family. Irene was a member of the St. Martin Missions Group, the Elrosa Seniors Group, and St. Martin Catholic Church.

Irene is survived by her children Ralph (Theresa) Shay, Albany; Linus (Julie) Shay, Rogers; Gary (Amie) Shay, Alexandria; Linda (Paul) Vorgert, Andover; Jane (Jeff) Stangler, Corcoran; her siblings Agnes Hinnekamp, Melrose; Edward (Kitty) Mueller, Melrose; Adella Thelen, Melrose; her sister-in-law Millie Mueller, Melrose; her 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; as well as many friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Ronald in 2009; her parents Henry and Anna Mueller; her siblings Mary Mueller, Joseph Mueller, Loretta (Eddie) Frieler, Lawrence Mueller; and her brothers-in-law Boniface Hinnekamp and Herbie Thelen.