Irene Files

ROCHESTER Irene Files, 94, of 118 Secretariat Way, died Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, after a period of failing health, just two days before her 95th birthday at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, with her daughter by her side.Born Sept. 22, 1914, in Chelsea, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Casper and Mary (Ross) Sneirson. Irene was a lifelong resident of Rochester, graduating from Rochester High School. She was a homemaker who was a wonderful mom and adored nana to her grandchildren. She was a member of Frisbie Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered at their coffee shop for many years. Irene was a member of the Rochester Women's Club and Hadassah. She was an accomplished bridge player and achieved the level of life master, also being a member of the NH Bridge Association for over 40 years. An avid cribbage player, she also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her family.The widow of Ernest "Tarkey" Berry, who died in 1969, and Ralph Files, who died in 1979, she is survived by one daughter, Stephanie Monza and her husband, Bill, of Rochester; son-in-law, Jerry Grossman; daughter-in-law, Loretta Berry; sister, Adele Constance, all of Rochester; grandchildren, Darren Faria and fiancee, Mandy Medina of Huntington Beach. Calif., Chad Faria and fiancee, Shannon Miller of Tucson, Ariz., Jodi Chamberlain and husband, Ryan, of Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Todd Grossman, Big Bear Lake, Calif., Alan Berry, Port Hueneme, Calif., Stephen Berry, Bedford, Donna Wood, Wolfeboro, Maureen Pepin, Kennebunk, Maine; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Karen Grossman; son, Donald Berry, and brother, Howard Sneirson.A memorial service will be held Monday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester. Visitation will be one hour before the service 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in the Rochester Cemetery, Franklin Street, Rochester at the convenience of her family.If desired, donations may be made in Irenes' memory to Hyder Family Hospice House, 275 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820.Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits