Irene Alice Bourget

Irene Alice Bourget

March 31, 1927– February 6, 2024

Irene Alice Bourget, 96, of Rocky Ford, CO, peacefully passed away at Fowler Health Care Center in Fowler, CO on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. 

Irene was a first-generation American, born Thursday, March 31, 1927, in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, to Ovila Joseph & Rosanna Blanche (Plouffe) Riendeau. Irene was the youngest of four sisters. Lillian, Anita, and her surviving sister Annette Boucher, 99, of Rhode Island.

In line with old-world traditions, as the youngest child, Irene was tasked with caring for her mother as she was bedridden from illness. Irene worked in a textile mill alongside large weaving looms. It was thought that the loud noise of the looms contributed to Irene's premature hearing loss.

In 1954, Irene married Robert Bourget, who had recently returned from combat in the Korean War. In 1961, they had their only child, Michael Bourget. In 1964, the Bourget family relocated to Rocky Ford. Irene was a homemaker and then, for many years, worked part-time in the food service department at Washington Elementary School. Irene got to know nearly every student as she was affectionately known as the “Lunch Lady.”

Irene retired in the early 1990s. Irene developed Macular Degeneration and was legally blind beginning in the 1990s. Irene didn’t consider her loss of sight as a disability as her vision impairment only kept her from driving a vehicle. She remained an active baker, baking fresh pies or cookies daily. With the help of others, including her best friend Jane Milenski. Irene loved to travel. She traveled solo across the country to visit her sister and relatives in Rhode Island. Irene and Jane took several cruises together. At the age of 91, Irene traveled to Florida to partake in one of her beloved grandson's wedding.

Irene was a devout Catholic, attending St. Peters Catholic Church nearly daily. She was a member of the Occuvite support group for the visually impaired. Irene volunteered with bingo at Pioneer nursing home for several years until she was 90.

Irene is survived by her son, Mike Bourget, Mike’s fiancé Wendi Lucero of La Junta, CO; two grandsons, Matthew (Heather) Bourget of Salida, CO; great-granddaughter, Mallory Bourget; Mark (Karissa) Bourget of Salida, CO; great-grandchildren, Macy & Marshall Bourget; sister Annette Boucher; nephew, Denis (Mary Ann) Boucher of RI; niece, Donna Hughes; nephew, Ron Laliberte; and friend of 58 years Jane Milenski. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bourget; parents; and sisters Lillian & Anita.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m., both services will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rocky Ford, Colorado

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Irene’s name to a hospice of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements