Irene May Dufur, 93, of Lanesboro, died Saturday September 19, 2015 at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Pittsfield, on May 31, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Rasmus and Irene (King) Kristensen. Irene was educated in local Schools and belonged to the Pittsfield High School class of 1940.
Irene worked as a waitress for many years at Friendly's and several local hotels, the Berkshire Coat Factory and retired from General Electric in 1985 with many years of dedicated service.
Irene married her husband Alton L. Dufur on June 25, 1940 and were married for 51 years prior to his death. She was a former communicant of the North American Martyr's Church in Berkshire Villiage, where she was a member of the Rosary Society.
Irene loved to travel and visited ten European countries, especially Denmark, where her father was born. She also visited Alaska and Hawaii. She was an avid gardener and loved animals, including her little dog Phoebe who was her constant companion and was always by her side.
Irene was a member of many organizations including: The Daughters of Isabella, the Lionesses, a square dance club, Secret Pal, County extension groups and Red Hatters.
She is survived by a brother William Kristensen, and her sister Ann Snow; three children; Carl W. Dufur Sr. and his wife Patricia of Pittsfield, Ellen M. Jones and her husband Ronald of Hinsdale, and Robert A. Dufur Sr. and his wife Bonnie of Lanesboro; three daughter-in-laws; Beverly Dufur, Joyce Dufur and Lois Bouchard, Sixteen grandchildren; Deborah, Tammy, Carl Jr., Pamela, Robert, Michael, Robert Jr., Diana, Christine, David, Darlene, Donald, Edward Jr., Ronald Jr., Daniel and Dana, who was her primary caregiver, 31 great-grandchildren, 21 great-great grandchildren, sixty eight nieces and nephews and many more cousins.
She was predeceased by two sons; Edward L. Dufur and Donald (Pete) Dufur, her granddaughter Rebecca L. Dufur and three great grandchildren David J. Dufur Jr., Meagan Kucka and Hope Dufur.

Funeral Notice:
Funeral Services for Irene May Dufur, who died September 19th, will be held Thursday September 24th with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at10AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church celebrated by Rev. David R. Raymond, Pastor. Burial will follow in the family plot in Pittsfield Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday, September 23rd, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the DERY FUNERAL HOME, in Pittsfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care in The Berkshires, Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter or North American Martyrs Chapel, in care of DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield.