Irene was one of five children born to Joseph and Theresa (Morin) Guimond on Feb. 19, 1951. She was raised in Lyman. where she attended grade school at Cousin’s Memorial followed by high school at Kennebunk High.
Irene met the love of her life, Michael D. Guillemette of Sanford. The couple soon wed on Jan. 18, 1969. They settled in Lyman, where they raised six kids. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her universe; she always put them before herself. She had a special place in her heart for each child, loving them unconditionally.
At an early age, Irene instantaneously learned the value of hard work. Besides caring for her children, she worked outside the home at Giles packing apples. Soon after the birth of her youngest child, she opened her home to baby-sit the children of her neighbors and friends. When the children she baby-sat began school, she then went back to working outside the home as a housekeeper at Huntington Common. She enjoyed many years interacting and working for the elderly.
Irene was well-suited for her chosen career path. Her meticulous cleaning and organization followed her to her place of employment. Years later, Irene sought a position continuing her role as head of the housekeeping department at the Yachtsman Lodge and Marina in Kennebunkport. While there, she was rewarded for her hard work and dedication, being named “Housekeeper of the Year.”
Eventually, her career path led her to start a business in residential house cleaning, Ann and I Professional Housekeeping, with her close friend and colleague. She took much pride in her work; always aiming to please. Everywhere she went, she could always make “a friend.” Irene was loved and respected by many.
Regardless of being soft-spoken she was always heard. Irene was an exceptional cook, always using fresh produce from the family farm. She spent much of the summer canning the garden’s harvest and making butter from fresh milk. Her family always looked forward to her delicious baked goods, especially her whoopie pies.
In her downtime, she enjoyed knitting and occasionally sewing. She was infamous for her sweaters, socks, hats, mittens and Afghans. Irene was always looking to help others in need, whether it was donating knitted infant hats to the local newborn nurseries or making holidays a little brighter buying gifts for a family or elderly person.
Aside from her immense love for her children were her pets. Her three dogs and cat put a smile on her face.
Irene was a true matriarch. Being present at the birth of her grandchildren was of great importance to her. She always made it a priority to attend her children’s and grandchildren’s events. She was a leader in her kids’ 4-H and Boy Scouts groups. At the close of each summer, she looked forward to attending the Acton fair and supporting her kids and grandkids in showing their horses, cows and sheep.
Irene’s life vacations took place in her back yard lounging by her pool. She shared many memories by what she considered her “little slice of heaven.” Irene always had an optimistic look on life. Her motto on particularly rough days was, “tomorrow will be a better day.”
Her presence will dearly be missed, but her memories and love will be held dear, carrying us all toward a new day.
Irene was preceded in death by: her parents, Joseph and Theresa Guimond.
She is survived by: her husband of 48 years, Michael Guillemette; her four sons, Richard and wife Suzanne, Thomas and wife Sandy, Jason Guillemette, and Michael II and wife Lauren; her two daughters, Theresa Carroll and husband Eric, and Danielle Milovanovic and husband Justin; and her former daughter-in-law, Theresa Guillemette, all residing in Lyman; 17 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Irene is also survived by: her brothers, Richard Guimond and wife Linda of Lyman, and David Guimond and partner David McMullen of Lyman; and her sisters, Ann Marie Carroll and husband Bernard of Limerick, and Paulette Howard of Lyman.
Family and friends are invited to call 5-8 p.m. Monday, March 28, at Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak St., Alfred. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave., Sanford.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit autumngreenfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers and with Irene’s love of children and animals, please consider donating to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 477 Congress St., Suite M 1, Portland, ME 04101 or to the Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, ME 04094.
The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements.
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