Irene Prezioso, 91, of Kingswood Rd, Bristol passed away peacefully on January 3, 2020 at St. Elizabeth’s Manor after a multi-day vigil with loving family and friends. She was the wife of the late Michael “Mickey” Prezioso, her beloved husband of 67 years.
Born and raised in Portsmouth during the depression, she was the daughter of Azorean tenant farmers John and Mary (Louis) Andrade, where she and her 10 siblings learned the value of hard work young. She attributed her strength to the many sacks of potatoes she loaded on the horse drawn carriage.
She attended Portsmouth public schools and then moved to Bristol to work full time to help her widowed mother. Great with her hands, she had a successful career working various jobs at the mill known as Smiths/Bristol Manufacturing/Converse/PF Industries for over 40 years. She enjoyed helping friends with housekeeping and caregiving, always there to lend a hand. Irene was an accomplished seamstress, gourmet cook and exceptional baker, best known for her Italian cookies. She loved to dance, fine dining and travel. Her favorite trips included cruising, Italy and Hawaii. Irene will be best remembered for her generous nature and compassionate soul.
She is survived by her sons Michael (Donna) of Mission Viejo, California, and Thomas (Maria) of Bristol, Rhode Island; her son-in-law Ronald Borges, grandson Ryan (Krista) and great-grandson Alan of Arizona: and her many nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and friends she held close to her heart. She was predeceased by her parents, daughter Joyce, and siblings John, Mary, Joseph, Ralph, and Manual Andrade; Cora Carr, Sadie Monis, Elsie Tavares, Hilda Armillotto, and Alice Tavares. From the eldest’s birth to Irene’s passing, the life of the Andrade kids spanned an amazing 108 years.
Her funeral services will be held Monday, January 6th, 9 AM from the George Lima Funeral Home 367 High Street with a Mass of Christian Burial, 10 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, State Street. Burial will follow at North Burial Ground.
Calling hours are Sunday 3 – 6 PM. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org).
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