Irene R. Nadeau, 93, of Biddeford, Maine, died peacefully in her sleep on August 30, 2023, with her family by her side. Born on August 10, 1930, she is predeceased by Roger C. Nadeau, her husband of 37 years, and her beloved siblings Arthur Rioux, Henry Rioux, Adrienne Heffernan, Roland Rioux, Robert Rioux and Conrad Rioux.
A loving mother and devoted caregiver, Irene prioritized time with her family and especially her seven grandchildren. She delighted in celebrating their birthdays and graduations; watching their sports, dance and extracurricular activities; and simply spending time with them as their adoring Mémère.
Post World War 2, Irene lived in Germany for two years, working for an organization that reunified displaced families. In 1972, she and Roger purchased a motel in Old Orchard Beach that they managed for many decades.
Irene enjoyed travel throughout Europe, Canada and the U.S. with her husband, children, niece (Linda) and close friends. An avid walker, Irene continued to log miles even through her late eighties. She was dedicated to her Catholic religion and faithfully attended weekly services.
Survivors include her four children, Peter (Denise) Nadeau and Carol (Dan) Croteau of Biddeford, Elizabeth (Marc Rifkind) Nadeau of Washington, DC, and Maureen (Les) Tuskai of Phoenix, Ariz. Her grandchildren, Zachary Croteau of Jackson, Wyoming; Tim (Meg Dzeng) Nadeau Rifkind of Washington, DC, Al Nadeau Rifkind of Brooklyn, NY; Brooke Nadeau of Boston, MA; Jacob Tuskai of Phoenix, AZ; Ethan Nadeau of Atlanta, GA; and Caroline Tuskai of Phoenix, Ariz.; and great-grandson, Levi Rifkind-Dzeng.
The family thanks everyone who has shown Irene such love, kindness and compassion during her later years. They also appreciate the remarkable care provided to Irene by the wonderful staff at the Memory Care Unit of the Enclave Scarborough.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
Copy the Story LinkComments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
