Irene G. Jones, age 63, of 57 Park St. Pittsfield, died Sunday, Aug. 11th at the home of her daughter surrounded by her loving family. Born in Westfield, MA on July 23, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Inez Barnes Jones. Educated in the local schools, she was a 1974 graduate of Pittsfield High School.
Employed as a baker with the Big Y here in Pittsfield, she continued to work until her recent illness.
A terrific Nana, her whole life revolved around her two grandsons. She would always have “a cookie for Pat and a slim Jim for Coby.” Her love for her grandsons, or “her little critters” as she called them, was endless. She already had purchased Christmas gifts for the two of them for next year. Her motherly advice for everyone and everything was, “Relax my dear and have a cup of tea.” Irene enjoyed tending to her houseplants and caring for her cherished pets.
An accomplished baker, her Birthday Cakes and Easter Cakes were awesome. She also enjoyed making her pasta dishes for both family and friends. Throughout her career and wherever she worked, she took great pride in making a difference for those she assisted. She lived her life by putting others before herself.
She joins the love of her life, Patrick H. Gavin, who died June 9, 2006.
She is survived by her daughter, Sara Beth Esko and her husband, Thomas and their two sons, Patrick Gavin Esko and Jacoby W. Esko, one son, Derrick Jones, and his significant other, Linda Fortini of Pittsfield and her two children, Vinny and Natale, her sisters, Ruth Hover and Laurie Tierney, Bonnie Nicola, and Elizabeth White and her brother, David Jones.
Irene also leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well as her best friends, Skip and Carol Bristol. She was predeceased by her brothers, Allen Jones, Frederick Jones, Jr., and Alfred Jones.
A Celebration of Her Life will be held at the home of her daughter, Sara Beth and her husband Thomas, at 731 West St. Pittsfield on Saturday, Sept. 21st from 12 to 5 pm and please wear blue!
Her infectious smile will always be a part of us! She had the patience and grace of a Saint and was truly like no other. Irene was both admirable and One in a Billion!
Memorial donations may be made to a newly established college education fund for her grandsons, Patrick and Jacoby in care of her daughter, Sara Beth. Please make the checks out in the individual Boys’ names.