Irene L. (Raschi) Kane

On Sunday August 12, Irene L. Kane of Longmeadow passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. A native of Springfield, Irene was a 1945 graduate of the city's High School of Commerce, and explored her creativity by enrolling in Rittners School of Floral Design in Boston.  Her artistry was much on display as she ran her very successful Raschi's Flower Shop in the city's north end, the eclectic Heirloom Studio on Sumner Ave, and again while teaching the trade in Adult Education at Van Sickle Junior High.Whether indulging her passion for golf, (bringing home the occasional trophy) or beating the men on the court in the Hillsboro Beach (Fla) Bocci Club, Irene approached her game as she did life itself- with passion, camaraderie, and an undeniable joie de vivre. She showed great kindness and compassion to animals, domestic or stray, and the love and loyalty Irene reserved for friends and family touched them profoundly.

Irene was predeceased by her mother and father, Angela and Eugene Raschi of Springfield, her sister, Eleanor Frechette of Springfield and her loving husband,Bernard M. Kane of Longmeadow; she is survived by her son Gene and an enormous gaggle ofdedicated nieces, nephews and friends, all of whom miss her terribly, and will forever love and carry the grace of this great Lady intheir hearts.

Please come and help celebrate Irene at her Funeral Mass at St. Michael's Parish, 128 Maple St. in East Longmeadow on Tuesday, August 21 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baystate VNA and Hospice, 50 Maple st. Spfld, MA, 01103.

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