LEWISTON – Full of love, humor, and her trademark feistiness for more than 88 years, Irene L. (Demers) Deditch finally passed to her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.

Irene was born in Lewiston to Albert and Yvonne Demers in 1935. Irene was baptized and confirmed in her Catholic Faith at Holy Family Parish in Lewiston and she found life-long solace and comfort in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Like many Lewistonians of her time, Irene was born to first generation French-Canadian immigrants and resided in Lewiston her whole life. Also, like many of her generation, Irene left high school early to work in Lewiston’s factories, so that she could aid her family.

Irene married Andrew Frank Deditch of Fredericktown, Pa. in 1956. While later following separate paths, she was always exceedingly grateful for the children they had together.

Irene is survived by her four children, Andrew “Andy” Frank Deditch, Jr. of Lewiston, Aaron C. Deditch (wife Lou Ann Sylvester) of East Hanover, N.J., Arleen Paula Sullivan (husband William “Bill”) of Eagan, Minn., and Alan James Deditch of Wales, all of whom wholeheartedly agree that she was the best of mothers—loving, generous, funny, feisty, fiercely loyal, and always true to herself and her faith.

Irene especially enjoyed spending time with her seven grandchildren, Katelin “Kate” Mickel (husband Scott) of Highland Park, Ill., William “Will” Sullivan Jr. of Seabeck, Wash. (fiancée Rachel Mazzini of Dallas, Texas), Joseph “Joe” Sullivan of Eagan, Minn., Alexander “Alex” Deditch of Wales, Alison “Ally” Deditch of Wales, Andrew Franklin Deditch of East Hanover, N.J., and Aaron Christopher Deditch of East Hanover, N.J.

Irene treasured her time with her grandchildren, including annual summer reunions spent enjoying Popham and other Maine Beaches, Sebago Lake, Funtown, Monkey-C-Monkey-Do, Boothbay’s Railway Village Museum and, of course, the requisite baked bean and lobster dinners. Her grandchildren will forever hold close and cherish their fond and loving memories of their Grandma. Finally, Irene was truly thankful to live to see her great granddaughter, Abigail Rose Mickel (born Sept. 25, 2023) who she proclaimed as ‘absolutely perfect!’.

Irene was also grateful for the love and support provided by her lifelong friends, including Mrs. Simone Mathieu of Lewiston and Mrs. Jeanine Smith of Presque Isle.

Fond memories of Irene include her strong love of home and family, her phenomenal cooking (she was especially relaxed at home in the kitchen, while enjoying her family and preparing favorite comfort foods), and her sense of humor and unending laughter, as well as her natural smarts and savviness, honesty, humility, unlimited generosity, and unwavering loyalty to those whom she loved.

Irene was preceded in death by her siblings, including her brothers Albert “Barney” Demers, Robert “Bobby” Demers, Lionel Demers, and Richard “Dickie” Demers, and her sisters Theresa Demers, Jacqueline “Jackie” Demers, Pauline Demers-Smith, and Muriel Demers.

She is survived by the children of her siblings, including her nieces Diane Smith and Eileen Smith (the daughters of her sister, Pauline Smith), and Brenda Gaylord and Joyce Armstrong (the daughters of her sister, Jackie Demers).

It has been said that “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others,” and Irene’s heart was therefore exceedingly great indeed for she was loved most greatly by her family and friends.

Special thanks to the caring and talented team at Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice for aiding Irene and her family in her final weeks.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared on Irene’s memorial page at http://www.albert-burpee.com .

A funeral mass is being planned for a later date to celebrate Irene’s life with family and friends.

Arrangements are under the care of Albert and Burpee Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 253 Pine St., Lewiston, 782-7201.

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