"To Donna and William, my sincere condolences for the your lost (and the Almighty's gain). I know you have many memories which will live with you the rest of your lives. Continue walking in God's blessings and grace. "
In loving memory of
Irene Thomassina Weston
August 17, 1936 - December 26, 2021
Irene "Renie" Thomassina (Pitchford) Weston, 85, of Newport, RI, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2021, at St. Clare Home Newport.
Irene was born in Harlem, New York City, NY to the late Thomas H. and Gladys (Dixon) Pitchford on August 17, 1936. She grew up in Newport.
Irene is survived by her children, Donna Lee Weston of Silver Spring, MD, and Dr. William M. Weston Jr. (Veronica) of Chesterfield, MO., and her two grandchildren, William "Trey" Weston III and Amy Lauren Weston.
She also leaves brothers-in-law Clifford "Tippy" Johnson, William "Peasy" Johnson (Vale), Wayne Johnson (Lee), Gary Johnson, Bobby Lewis Johnson, Kevin Johnson (Marie), and Leon Bradley Sr., and sisters-in-law Rosalie Weston, Virginia "Sister" Lombard, Pamela Massey, Cheryl Torrey (Larry), Dawn Daniels (Tommy), and Judith Perl Rosenthal. Her aunt Beatrice Link, faithful cousins Audrey Frazier and Bill Bradford, nieces Suzanne Link and Nancy Bardwell (James), nephew Warren Weston Jr. (Joyce), godson and nephew Guy Weston (Kim), and many other nieces and nephews also survive her.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, William "Billy" M. Weston, Sr., her infant twin sister, Millicent Pitchford, brothers-in-law Harold Weston, Gordon Johnson, and David Johnson, and sisters-in-law Phyllis Bradley, Dianne Johnson, and Charlene Willingham.
Irene was a graduate of Rogers High School, Class of 1954. She enjoyed working in the Rogers High School office after graduation, at Kirby Insurance with the rest of the "Kirby Girls," and at St. Clare Home Newport until her retirement.
She loved her Lord with all her heart, mind, and soul. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Church, where she served on the Vestry, taught Sunday School, and served as the parish secretary.
Irene was also a member of Queen Esther Chapter No. 2 Order of the Eastern Star, where she was a Past Worthy Matron.
In addition to her family, Irene leaves devoted friends former son-in-law Roland Snead, Joan and Jackie Rosario, childhood friend Beryl Yeomans, Melissa Bostrom, Deacon Leroy "Buck" Close, and Christine Garcia. Her Eastern Star sisters, her Community Baptist Church family, her Blenheim-Newport buddies, and many other friends were never far from her thoughts and prayers.
"Renie Beans," as she was affectionally known by Donna and Bill Jr., was proud of her children, her grandchildren, and her mother's Shinnecock Indian heritage. She loved playing poker, Frank's Hot Sauce and Tabasco, bowling with the Outer World Duckpin League and Saturday night card games "back in the day," lions both real and in her glass cabinet of figurines, musicals, sparkle, trips to Atlantic City and Caribbean cruises with her family and friends, birthday trips to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun with Donna and Bill Jr., and watching her CBS soaps, old movies (especially 'Pretty Woman'), figure skating, and the Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox on TV. She was a fan of seafood, soul food, a good steak, and Spam.
She was, in Weston family vernacular, "a big mump."
Donna and Bill Jr. would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, CNAs and other caregivers who took good care of mom, especially these past two years.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport RI.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 11 AM at St. John The Evangelist, 61 Washington Street in Newport. Burial will follow in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown.
Irene was an animal lover all of her life, and her dogs Betty, Angie, and Bernice and her beloved Baby Kitty happily welcomed her across the Rainbow Bridge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Weston's name to the Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown RI 02842.
Tributes
"Mrs. Irene was and is in her daughter. Donna is a beautiful person and I envision mrs. Irene the same way. Caring, thoughtful, and building capacity in those surrounding her. Mrs. Irene will live forever in my mind through the actions of her daughter. She walked in God's blessings and graces daily and she will continue to do so. Rest in the Almighty's loving arms. "
"I only knew Mrs. Weston through her daughter and my dear friend, Donna, who often spoke about her mum and her wonderful sense of humour. I can only wish that I had met her. Jacqueline Kennedy once said that if you fail your children it didn't matter what else in life you were great at. Mrs. Weston's Light shines brightly through her daughter; SHE did not fail. She will be missed by all who loved her, but we know that now she is resting in eternity in the palm of our Saviour's hand. The Peace of the Lord. Cecily Patterson"
"Dear Donna & Billy, You have my deepest sympathy! It didn?t take long for her to start smiling again once she was reunited with the love of her life, Your Father. Your mother?s infectious smile is planted in my memory for ever. She loved her two children and was so proud of the two of you because of your steadfast love and concern for her and your father. You two should be proud! She will always be amongst us all because her spirit was that high! I?m sure she?s smiling as we speak! God has blessed her beautifully with her children, husband siblings, friends and for the absolute love of God. But make no mistake, She and her husband are looking down calling us all ?Big Mumps?! :))). Love you!"
"Irene was the definition of a lady, her smile would light up a room, just being around her made any day better. Dottie McKee"
"I was honored to work with Irene so many years ago while working as Assistant Administrator at St. Clare?s. She was like a ray of sunshine in the office, always so pleasant, accommodating and hardworking. My greatest memory is of how much she loved her ?Dear Billy? and how proud she was of her children. A lovely lady has passed from this world! How blessed I was to know her. Gerrie Beebe"
"Though I didn't know Mrs. Weston very well, I knew her enough that she always made me feel better from seeing/talking to her at St John the Evangelist. She had such a great love for Christ and her husband and family. RIP sweet lady "