Irene E. (O’Leary) Bezdegian, 75, of Shrewsbury died peacefully Saturday July 13, 2013 in her home surrounded by her loving family after a valiant battle with cancer.

Her husband of 48 years, Richard Bezdegian died in 2008. She leaves her devoted children, Richard J. Bezdegian and his wife, Darlyn, Susan A. Grillo and her husband, Peter, and Lisa A. Janulewicz and her husband, Stephen all of Shrewsbury; three adored grandchildren, Peter Richard Grillo, Tiffani Marie Grillo and Taylor Noelle Janulewicz; two brothers, Andrew O’Leary and his wife, Carol of Leicester and John O’Leary and his wife, Alice of South Paris, Maine; also survived by several nieces, nephews and close friends.

Irene was born and raised in Worcester, daughter of the late John B.F. and Evelyn Irene (Majeau) O’Leary. She attended Saint Peter’s High School. She then met and later married Richard in 1959, they moved to Shrewsbury to begin and raise their family.

She worked in several business offices where she was responsible for many jobs because of her ability of multitasking. Irene worked for Casual Male as a packing supervisor and later at Somerville Lumber in the office. She then retired to be a full time grandmother, which brought such joy to her life; her grandchildren were truly her sunshine.

Irene was a member of Saint Anne’s Parish and the Shrewsbury Women’s Club. She was very involved in her grandchildren’s lives and attended every game and event they were involved in no matter how far she had to travel. She loved making trips to Foxwoods and Atlantic City for a little fun.

Irene lived her entire life with the motto “that a positive mind and a sense of humor can carry you through anything”, this sustained Irene to the very end. She will always be remembered by her children and grandchildren as a selfless human being and a source of strength.

The Bezdegian Family wishes to thank Patti, Jill, Carrie and especially Teresa for all their special care and attention to Irene and her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Saint Anne’s Church on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM where a funeral Mass celebrating Irene’s life will be held. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. Calling hours will be held privately at Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St. Shrewsbury. Memorial donations can be made to Saint Anne’s Human Services, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.