Irene Ann Belhumeur (née Carrara) passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on June 12, 1929, she lived a long and full life marked by devotion to her family, quiet strength, and an enduring appreciation for beauty, music, and togetherness.

Raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Irene was the daughter of Ann and Giosideo Carrara. Alongside her sister Anita and brothers Edward "Eddie" and Raymond "Ray," she established deep roots in the New England area, spending her formative years between Rhode Island. These early connections remained a vital part of her identity; throughout her life, she frequently traveled "back east" to maintain the family bonds that had shaped her.

Irene's life took a beautiful turn when she met Paul Richard Belhumeur on a blind double date to a dance. Throughout Paul's deployment in the Korean War, the couple nurtured their connection through a frequent exchange of letters. This courtship blossomed into a lifelong partnership and they were wed on November 11th, 1950. In the early 1970s, the couple embarked on a new chapter, moving their family across the country when Paul took a role with Southern California Edison at the San Onofre Nuclear Station. Irene took great pride in their home in San Clemente, which she famously secured through a winning auction bid. This residence became her sanctuary, where she spent decades fostering a legacy of warmth, tradition, and generational joy.

Irene and Paul raised four sons—Robert, Steven, Gary, and Kenneth—and together created a family that became her greatest pride. She is remembered with love by her children, her grandchildren David, Samantha, Kevin, Shane, Jenna, Sheldon, Tess, Rae, and Logan, and her great-grandchildren Liam, Sheldon King Jr., Lily, Sailor, Kallen, and Liliana. Her greatest joy in life was simply being surrounded by them, watching her family grow across generations.

She built a life that was both elegant and deeply hardworking. A talented beautician, Irene earned a reputation for skill and care, with clients who trusted her for years and traveled from afar to sit in her chair. In her early years, she even worked from her kitchen to help support her young family—an early reflection of her independence and determination.

Within the walls of her home, Irene was the very heart of every gathering, expressing her love through the warmth of her cooking and a gracious hospitality that made every guest feel cherished. Family traditions were the cornerstones of her life, centered on the simple, profound joy of being together. Captivated by the beauty of Southern California, she and Paul delighted in hosting loved ones to share the warmth of their home. Together, they often led the family in prayer before meals, a quiet and steady ritual that defined the gentle rhythm of their lives.

Irene's life was defined by a vibrant sense of creativity and a joyful, active spirit. In her youth, she delighted in singing and dancing with her brothers, a passion for performance that stayed with her throughout her life as she continued to play the piano and sing. She was known for her elegance and grace, consistently appearing as the most beautifully dressed person in any room. This vitality extended to her physical life as well; she and Paul remained dedicated to their shared gym routine and long walks together well into their late 80s. Adventurous at heart, she and Paul traveled extensively, embarking on cross-country tours, many cruises, and a memorable trip to Alaska. In her later years, Irene found peace tending to her flourishing garden of flowers and fruit trees. She also cherished her visits to Las Vegas, where she found joy in the city's vibrant energy and the timeless music of Frank Sinatra.

She attended St. Edward’s Church faithfully for many years and her Catholic faith was reflected most clearly not in words, but in the way she lived—with generosity, encouragement, and love for others.

Above all, Irene will be remembered for her grace, independence, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the generations she raised, supported, and so deeply loved.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Paul, dancing once again.

A funeral Mass will be held on June 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward’s Church, followed by a celebration of life at the home of her son and his wife, Robert and Maimu.