Irene (Garvick) Bombard

Irene Mary (Garvick) Bombard, age 81, of Boylston MA passed away on December 25th, 2013. Irene was born in Gardner MA in 1932, the daughter of the late John and Mary Garvick, sister of the late Mary Anne (Marion) Garvick Vagedes of Ohio. After growing up on Gage Street in Worcester, MA, Irene married her childhood sweetheart Bobby Bombard on November 25th, 1954. After graduating from Elizabeth Street Grade School, she continued on to Commerce High School in Worcester. She later on worked as the administrative assistant for the chief of surgery at UMASS Memorial; but her true passion was her family. Irene is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Robert Bombard, sons Robert Bombard Jr. MD (VA Hospital, Brockton, MA), David Bombard and his wife Adriana, (Edwards, CO) and her grandchildren Matthew Bombard (NJ), Catherine Bombard (NJ), and Collins Garvick Bombard (CO). Irene is also survived by her Sisters in law; Shirley Latino, and Julie Conte. Irene's smile and laugh lit up every room she entered and every life she touched, no matter where she was in the world. Her love for adventure and travel grew while living in Morocco for two years while Bob was in the Navy. In 1959, they moved to Germany where Robert taught high school for seven years. Living overseas, they traveled to 26 countries and skied the greatest mountains in Europe. Her beautiful handwriting fills books and notes with heartfelt words. It didn't take a signature to know a card was from Irene; her impeccable penmanship was notable enough. Whether she was writing short stories for her grandchildren, or e-mails and letters to family and friends, she always had something incredible to say. Writing was one of her favorite hobbies, along with shopping, cooking, and spending time with loved ones. Despite her struggles, Irene never failed to put others before herself. She was open to all and greeted whoever she met with a warm, inviting smile. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she brought nothing but happiness and joy to her family that she loved unconditionally. Her dedication to her son Robert was a testament to her loving character. Irene was a long time member of the Church of St. Mary of the Hills. She sang in the Choir and was a very active member of the parish. She and Robert visited the Shrines of Lourdes and Fatima and that was a moving experience for both of them. Irene's funeral will be held on Tuesday morning from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation st. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in the Church of St. Mary of the Hills 630 Cross St. Boylston. Visitation with the family will be held on Monday from 5:00PM to 7:00PM in the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the St Jude Childrens Hospital Box 1893 Memphis, TN. 38101.