Irene A. Lydon: Former West Roxbury Resident, Somerville Teacher

The following obituary was posted on the Lawler Funeral Home website.

Irene A. (O’Leary) Lydon, of West Barnstable died April 23, 2014. Irene was born and raised in Somerville, and lived in West Roxbury for many years. Irene is survived by her husband of fifty five years, John Joseph Lydon, her sons Kelly and his wife Rasa of West Barnstable, MA, Dennis of Brewster, MA, and Neal of Portland, OR. She is also survived by a sister Marie MacSweeney of Medford and a brother James O’Leary of Reading, MA. She is pre-deceased by her brother Edward, Teddy, Francis and Will O’Leary and a sister Dorothy (O’Leary) Clinton.

Irene graduated from St. Joseph’s grammar school and St. Joseph’s high school, Somerville, and was taught for 12 years by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Irene was on the St. Joseph’s debating team and won several state and regional debating contests, and debated against colleges while still a high school senior. Irene was president of the St. Joseph alumni for several years. Irene won a full academic scholarship to Suffolk University where she debated against major colleges throughout the United States. Irene graduated from Suffolk University in 1954, with a bachelor’s degree, and in 1955 with a Masters Degree. 

Irene taught in the Somerville school department as a tenured Teacher opting to leave after several years to raise her three sons, and was a devoted mother. Irene was especially proud of her five older brothers, all who served their country in WW II. Her older brother Edward was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously. Irene also supported Democratic political candidates in Barnstable County.

A Requiem Mass for the repose of her soul will be held on Monday April 28. 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy Name Church. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery West Roxbury.

Donations in Irene’s memory maybe made to: 

The Little Sisters of the Poor
186 Highland Ave.
Somerville, MA