Irene Beatrice Antonivich, 85, of Haven Health Center of Claremont formerly of Maria Street, died Monday morning, May 19, 2008 at Haven Health Center.  She was born in Fall River, MA on December 27, 1922 the daughter of William and Lydia (Richard) Dufresne and had resided in Claremont most of her life.  She retired from Valley Regional Hospital where she worked in the Radiology Department for 12 years and had previously worked at the Good Year Rubber Company in Windsor, VT during World War II, making life vests for the Air Core and at Sylvania in Hillsboro.

Irene loved roller skating and was an avid participant of Roseland Ballroom. She was also crowned Queen of Roseland in 1941.

Irene was vivacious, fun loving and witty. She was a great friend to anyone she met.

She loved her children and grandchildren and enjoyed knitting and reading.

The surviving family includes her husband, Walter Alexander Antonivich of Claremont whom she married on July 9, 1946; one daughter, Carol L. Descoteau and her husband, Andy of Claremont; one son, Mitchell R. Antonivich and his wife, Dawna of Charlestown; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Bertha Lamarre, Doris Hipwell and Yvette Dion all of Claremont and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was pre-deceased by two sons, Infant Michael Patrick Antonivich on Dec. 5, 1947 and Anthony Walter Antonivich in Oct. of 2007, one daughter, Debra Antonivich on June 16, 1995 also one half brother, Paul Dufresne.

A time of fellowship and sharing will be held Friday afternoon from 2 to 4 PM at the Stringer Funeral Home.

The family suggests that donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice.