Irene Ann Umble (Hutchins) passed away at her home in Bangor on Oct. 31, 2020. She was born Sept. 14, 1954, in Saco, and was the eldest daughter of Clara (Brown) Hutchins and Herbert Hutchins. She was raised in Kennebunkport and graduated from Kennebunk High School in 1972. She then went on to graduate from the University of Maine in Orono with a degree in early childhood education.
Over the years she studied and attained her masters of education in special education and early intervention. Irene put down her roots in Bangor, married and started a family welcoming two children. After Irene and her first husband divorced, she attended the Apostolic Lighthouse Church in Bangor where she met and married James Umble in 1988.
She was predeceased by her father, Herbert Hutchins, in 1998. Irene is survived by her husband of 32 years, James A. Umble III, her mother Clara, her sisters Ellen and her husband Larry Murphy of Portland, Terri and her husband Richard Nunan of Kennebunkport, Clara (Hutchins) Troegner and her partner Kevin Philbrick of Kennebunkport and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with her husband she leaves behind her nine beloved children: William Beyenberg and wife Amanda, Jennifer Beyenberg Polk and husband Mike, Michelle Shepherd and husband Aaron, Shawn Umble and wife Amanda, James Umble IV and wife Kara, Christina Butler and husband Forrest, Ethan Umble and partner Samantha, Samantha Umble, and Alex Umble. Also, her 21 grandchildren that held her eye: Natalie Beyenberg, Caitlyn Beyenberg, Nicolas Beyenberg, Caleb Beyenberg, Kailey Jackson, Addison Jackson, Aiden Shepherd, Rowen Shepherd, Emerson Shepherd, Easton Shepherd, Gabrielle Polk, Zachary Polk, Benjamin Polk, Joshua Polk, Michel Kaler, Aaliyah Kaler, Connor Umble, Brayden Newman, Landon Umble, Amara Umble and Penelope Butler. And close family friends Brandi and Jason Butterfield and their children Emma and Benjamin.
Irene had a calling to serve her church and her community, including but not limited to, church secretary and Sunday school teacher as well as a Cub Scout leader. Irene also enjoyed the time she spent volunteering with the Special Olympics. While supporting her husband’s calling to join the Armed Services she found a way to leave her generous mark by being a key piece in the guards Family Services, which she loved and found much reward in.
Irene opened her home and heart to a number of fortunate children found in unfortunate circumstances by being a foster parent. She loved children and had a soft spot for students with disabilities. Her career path led her to the Hermon School Department where she worked with students with significant disabilities. Irene worked with a number of very special students in Hermon who held a special place in her heart.
Irene was very dedicated, patient, generous and kind. She was extremely knowledgeable in her field and eager to share her knowledge with others. She will leave a big void for the students and program that she generously served. Irene was a night owl who loved a good love story playing out, whether in a book or in a purely predictable chick flick. She had a sweet tooth and was an amazing cook. She loved large family dinners and family celebrations. For someone that was always cold, she had the warmest heart and her presence left you feeling wrapped in love.
A funeral was held in Bangor on Nov. 4, 2020 with interment at Pine Grove Cemetery, Bangor.
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