Irene Elizabeth (Ferrin) Provencher

CHELSEA -- Irene Elizabeth Provencher, 87, formerly of Houghton, where she resided on the Cammack Farm with her husband, Edwin Provencher, raising 12 children for just over 60 years, died on June 5, 2012 at the home of her daughter, with her family at her side.

Over the past four years, she has resided with her daughter, Deborah Lachance and her husband, Harry in Chelsea.

She was born in N. Bellerica, MA on Sept. 7, 1924, daughter of Frank and Thelma (Knight) Ferrin. She graduated from Wooster High in Wooster, MA. She married Edwin Morris Provencher in Bethel on May 11, 1946.

Irene worked as a book keeper at Orino Oil and John Taylor as a dedicated bus driver before becoming a beloved bus driver-part time custodian for MSAD #43 for 42 years. She was loved for her road side hat fights in the middle of the winter, quick wit, dedication and strong opinions! She was well known across the country for her summer roadside bakery on scenic Route #17.

Besides raising and spending time with her family, she enjoyed baking, crocheting, bingo, slot machines, card games and politics.

Survivors are Deborah (Harry) Lachance, Chelsea; Marlene Willey, Benton; Stephanie (James) Proctor, Benton; Naomi (Floyd) Duff, Pittston; Daphne (Roger) Williams, Erie, MI; Maurice Provencher, Newport News, VA; Edwin Provencher II, Benton; Frank Hamel, Byron; 26 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by parents; sister, Helen Barker; husband, Edwin Morris Provencher; daughters, Martha Boudreau, Susan Todish, Michelle Snyder; son, Robert Provencher and wife Leilani; and son-in law Ed Willey.

Family graveside services will be conducted Easter Hill Cemetary at a later date, to be announced. We give special thanks and much appreciation to the beloved Cammack family for their prayers, support, care and love for the Provencher family over the years. The “farm” in Houghton will always be our home!