Irene K. Likely

Waltham - Irene K. Likely, of Waltham, died Sunday, July 1, 2012 in Miriam Boyd Parlin Residence in Wayland. She was 79.

Irene was born on April 7, 1933 in Newton, a daughter of the late John and Eleanor E. (Inman) Likely. A graduate of Newton High School she had lived in Waltham for more than 41 years. She worked for Sears-Roebuck & Company, primarily in its Kenmore Square location, for over 39 years before retiring in 1994.

Her interests varied: among her favorites were gardening and flowers, a good round of golf, a book in hand to read and a challenging conversation about the world of politics. Her political conversations always went well providing you agreed with her take on the issues and politicians. She loved her family and a good meal that would be accompanied by a glass of wine. Irene was also a loyal New England sportsfan, especially her Patriots and Red Sox. She was a member of the Waltham Garden Club, American Legion Post #440 Ladies Auxiliary in Newton and she was a former member of Corpus Christ – St. Bernard Parish and its Ladies Guild.

She was predeceased by her siblings, John I. Likely and Laurie Ruth McCarthy and her late husband, John.

Irene leaves her sister, Dorothy Fiebig and her husband, Harold, of Melrose; her sister-in-law, Nikki Likely of Newton; 8 nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and grand-nephews and one great-grandnephew.

Family and friends will honor and remember Irene's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, July 5th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by her funeral service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to The Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472.