Irene Hurley of Southampton and Cape Cod died on May 18 after a short illness. She was 91.
Born on November 21, 1931, to Irene and Reno Whitman in New York City, she grew up in Queens with her siblings Andrew (Ramona), Kate, and Joan (deceased).
A lifelong nurse, she completed nursing school at Southampton Hospital, where she started her career. It was at the hospital that she met her husband, Jack Hurley, with whom she had a large boisterous family of six children: John (Judy) of Vermont, Mitch (Pirjo) of New Hampshire, Kate (John) of Massachusetts, Gumbo (Pat) of Southampton, Ed of Southampton, and Matt (Eija) of Vermont. Irene is also survived by numerous grandchildren and now great-grandchildren.
As the demands of her family lessened, she took up running and competed in the New York City and Marine Corps marathons.
She was a voracious reader and a proud member of her book club.
After retirement from nursing, she enjoyed working with her friends, Sheila and Sandy, at Second Chance Boutique, selling and advising clients on vintage furnishings and accessories.
Cape Cod was the chapter for her where she enjoyed the many amenities of Maplewood and Laurentide Independent living, where she took part in as many activities, outings, and committees as humanly possible.
The family would like to thank the many caregivers of Cape Cod Healthcare and Liberty Commons Rehabilitation, especially Dr. David Rancourt and the staff of The Cardiovascular Associates, and Dr. Hank and Lynn Casey.
Per her wishes, a small family remembrance is planned in Mashpee.