Irene M. Blais

Irene M. (Robichaud) Blais, 93, of Berlin, passed away on January 1, 2025 at Coos County Nursing Home in Berlin, with her loving daughter and son-in-law by her side. “Chick” as she was known by her friends and family, was born on July 3, 1931, the daughter of the late Joseph and Marie Anne (Bisson) Robichaud. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1950 and attended Rivier College. She furthered her education and received a degree in Medical Technology and Pathology (ASCP) from Notre Dame Hospital (now CMC) in Manchester. Chick was employed by the Lancaster Hospital, and for St. Louis Hospital (now AVH) as well as in the research department at the James River Corporation.

Chick enjoyed being outside, walking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, biking and cross-country skiing (with her brother Albert “Pet” Robichaud) and attending all of her grandsons’ sporting events. She spent many weekends at her cottage at Pike Pond in Stark, NH and cherished the time she spent there with many of her friends who were known as the “Pike Pond Gang.” She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and volunteering at the food pantry and the thrift shop.

Chick will be missed by her daughter Connie Croteau and husband Michael; her grandsons Andrew Croteau and wife Chelsea and Eric Croteau and wife Stepfani; great-grandsons Nolan, Ethan, and Tyler Croteau who affectionately called her “Ma-Chick”; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and her granddogs Chase and Teddy. She was predeceased by her husband Constant “Ace” Blais in 2005; infant twin siblings; her sisters Doris Robichaud and Cecile Marcou; her brothers Leon, Paul, Albert “Pet”, Robert “Chief” and John Robichaud, along with their wives.

Chick’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Coos County Nursing Home for the exceptional care, compassion, and support provided during her final weeks. Their kindness will forever be remembered and deeply appreciated.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services. Interment will be held privately in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Those who wish may make donations in her memory to the Coos County Nursing Home’s Activities Department, PO Box 416, Berlin, NH 03570, or to a food pantry of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Home of Berlin.