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Irene M. Irving
Peace activist and gift to us, gift to the world
Irene Meacham Irving, 92, of Havenwood-Heritage Heights in Concord, died peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, surrounded by a circle of family and friends.
Born Oct. 20, 1917, in Woodsville, Irene grew up in Concord and graduated from Concord High School.
She was the executive director of Merrimack County United Way from 1970 to 1985 and involved in numerous community activities. She was a Girl Scout leader and served on the boards of Swiftwater Girl Scout Council, Concord Visiting Nurse Association, the ABC (A Better Chance) Program, New Hampshire Central America Network, New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity and the Concord Clinic.
She was an active member of the United Methodist Church and served for eight years on the national board for Church and Society in Washington, D.C. She was peace and justice coordinator for the New England Methodist Conference. Irene was passionately dedicated to New Hampshire Peace Action. In recent years, Irene was involved with the Multi-Cultural Project in Concord and Islamic Center in Manchester.
Irene had very special feelings for Nicaragua, stemming from the covenant relationship between her church and la Iglesia de Cristo de Nicaragua. This relationship prompted no less than 15 visits to Nicaragua. Additionally, she arranged and traveled with three Bridges for Peace delegations to the former Soviet Union. As recently as this summer, she helped to organize Pastors for Peace informational caravans to Cuba for medical and educational supplies.
Many organizations benefited from Irene's tireless dedication and honored her. She received the Brotherhood award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the New England United Methodist award for Excellence in Social Justice Action, the International Affairs award from the Federation of Women's Clubs, Solidarity award from la Iglesia de Cristo de Nicaragua and the Servant Leader award for Outstanding Christian Ministry.
Traveling and meeting new people was a rewarding experience for Irene. She especially enjoyed a study trip to Israel, Egypt and Jerusalem, with her husband John and special friends. Spending time with her family, especially cheering at her grandchildren's many sporting events, was another much-loved activity. [link]
