Irene A. Cunnane, age 80, of Roxbury Township died peacefully at Franciscan Oaks Health Center in Denville, New Jersey, on June 25, 2015, after a lengthy illness. Irene was born in New York City to the late Bernard and Irene (Barry) Cunnane. She graduated from Caldwell College with a B. A. in history. Her post-graduate work included a master’s degree in history from Notre Dame University and a library science certification from Caldwell College.

Irene retired from the Morris School District in 2000 after a 30-year career as a history teacher and later librarian at the Frelinghuysen Middle School. Prior to Frelinghuysen, Irene taught at various parochial schools in Connecticut and New Jersey and was a former member of the community of Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, New Jersey. She was a member of the New Jersey Education Association, the National Education Association, the Morris County Retired Educators Association and the New Jersey Retirees’ Education Association.

An avid dog fancier, Irene was owner and exhibitor of nationally ranked champion giant schnauzers and for many years was a member of the Twin Brooks Kennel Club. Irene was known for her kindness, quiet demeanor and generosity. She enjoyed travel, especially to Bar Harbor, Maine, and to her favorite spot on Earth, Lake George in the Adirondacks, where she spent more than 40 summers.

Irene was predeceased by her sister, Evelyn Cunnane, and Irene’s very dear friend, Mary Ann Kennedy. She is survived by her cousins, the Reverend George Byrne of San Diego, California, and John Byrne and his family of Amsterdam, Holland. Also surviving are friends Dorothy Sarsat , Joanne Kennedy and Bill Dunn, and the Kaub family, including Mary Ann, Bob, Sandy, Laura, Joanna and Irene’s godson Peter and his wife Theresa and son Jack.

A memorial service for Irene will be held at St.Elizabeth Ann Seton R C Church, Main Street, Flanders, on Friday, September 25th at 10;30 am. Arrangements are by Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home of Succasunna. Those so wishing may make donations in Irene’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, 400 Morris Avenue Suite 251, Denville, New Jersey 07834.