WESTFIELD – Irene M. Hadley, 91, passed away peacefully at Baystate Hospital on October 26th, 2023 of natural causes with her loving family by her side. Irene was 
born in Westfield, MA on August 4th, 1932, the daughter of Earl and Elizabeth “Betty” Larrabee. She grew up with her siblings George “Flintlock” Larrabee, Daniel J. Larrabee, and her only living sibling Robert C. Larrabee. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1950 where she was an enthusiastic cheerleader. After graduating, she started off as a telephone operator for the Westfield Telephone Company and then later became a supervisor. She moved to New Haven, CT to raise her family in 1954. While residing there, she became a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. She was actively involved in the women’s auxiliary group, The Altar Society, where she proudly served as the President for several years. In 1965, she moved back to Westfield, and she remarried to Peter Hadley who predeceased her in 1999. She was a homemaker who always kept her house spotless. While in Westfield, she joined the Ladies Marine Corps League Auxiliary and also volunteered annually for the Old Deerfield craft fairs.
Irene was an amazing storyteller and record keeper of local history, especially that of Prospect Hill where she lived most of her life, as well as her family history. She was a dedicated genealogist and tracked her family tree all the way back to 1638 in England. She was also a prolific, thoughtful card writer as any of her friends and family could tell you. She enjoyed gardening and was known for her beautiful roses. While gardening, she developed a love for watching birds and butterflies. She was an avid book reader which she passed down to her children and her grandchildren. They also learned the importance of voting and sharing their views with others from her as well. Irene never drove but was frequently seen strolling around downtown with her beloved granddaughter always saying hello to the people she passed by. Each Christmas she made her famous lasagna which was enjoyed by everyone in attendance who also appreciated her hospitality during a traditional Christmas Eve celebration around her old-fashioned tree all covered in tinsel.
Irene is survived by her loving sons and daughter, Gary and his wife Sheila Hebda of Westfield, Mark Hebda of San Francisco, CA, and Judy Hadley and her husband John Kiang of East Granby, CT. She leaves her granddaughters Sibohan Hebda, Caitlin and Matt Williams and their three children Andrew, Iona, and Oliver, and Jade Kiang. In addition, she leaves behind many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
The services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the General Service Board in Irene’s honor.
Post Office Box 2407
James A Farley Station
New York, NY 10116-2407
Those who knew her will always love her, as she was a special woman. Goodnight Irene. Firtionadams.com
