Irma C. Maingot Race of 50 Shore Drive, Pittsfield, MA, beloved wife of Robert W. Race and a loving and devoted mother, nana, sister, aunt, friend and teacher, was taken to her eternal home on the 20th day of November 2015.
Born in Newport, R.I. on October 18, 1930 to Teresa Ring and Cyril J Maingot, Irma was educated in the Catholic School System and graduated from Rhode Island College of Education, Providence, R.I. in 1952 with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in Newport for 14 years before marrying Robert and moving to Pittsfield in 1966 where she then brought her love of learning to elementary students in Pomeroy, Bartlett and West Side Community Schools until retiring in 1989. Irma's love, compassion and commitment to her students was evident to all who knew her and to her young students as well, so many of whom later in life expressed their love and thanks to her for having been their "best teacher" and setting them on a path to a successful life. She was loved by her students, admired by their parents and respected by her colleagues. As a teacher, she was deeply honored to receive the Berkshire Community College Excellence in Teaching Award in May 1986, the first given to an elementary teacher. After retirement, Irma devoted herself to family, friends and the service of her Lord at St. Mark Parish.
After husband Bob's retirement in 1996, Irma and Bob each year enjoyed spending a couple of winter months on the west coast of Florida away from the Berkshire winter and then spending the rest of the year with family and friends at their home on the shores of Onota Lake. Irma particularly enjoyed the almost daily pontoon boat rides around the lake and going sailing with Bob in his venerable old Lightning #2632. She led her life with an independent nature but with integrity, intelligence, wisdom, humanity, love, respect, pride, determination and loyalty.
In addition to her beloved husband, Irma leaves her loving and devoted son Gregory and his dear wife, Lynda; her grandson Shaun and great-grandsons Diego and Carmelo of Pittsfield; her daughter Teresa Silvia of Monterey, CA; her grandson Gregory S. Race and great-grandchildren Sterling and Gianna of Dallas, TX; and grandson Michael D. Taylor of Los Angeles, CA. Irma also leaves her sisters Phyllis Otemba Austin and family of Myrtle Beach, SC and Victoria Willis and her husband Bill and family of Middletown, RI. She was predeceased by her youngest sister, Mary Louise Pratt.
Besides her family, Irma also leaves many dear and loving friends whom she considered sisters of her heart. Irma brought a peaceful, loving presence to all who knew her. She will be forever missed as we find the strength and faith to believe that she is now present with the Lord and all of her loved ones who have passed before her.

Funeral Notice: Calling hours for Irma C. Race who died November 20th will be held TODAY TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24TH from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Mark Church, 400 West Street, Pittsfield, MA with the Rev. John C. Salatino, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Race Family plot in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Pittsfield.

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