PLYMOUTH ---Irene Mary Holt, 74, resident of Plymouth, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 29, 2014.
 
 
 Irene was born on March 31, 1940 in Colebrook, New Hampshire to Ellen Josephine O'Leary Holt of Ballyheigue, County Kerry, Ireland and Charlie Willard Holt of Dummer, New Hampshire. She is survived by her brother Richard Holt of Colebrook and daughter Jane (Bouthillier) Sanzone of Denton, Texas.
 
 
 She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Elaine (Holt) Brooks of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A graduate of Colebrook Academy in 1958, Irene worked for several years in the Colebrook Superintendent's Office. She received a Bachelor's degree in Business Education from Plymouth State College in 1979. Irene taught business education at Winnisquam Regional High School and Moultonborough Academy before returning to Plymouth State College to complete her Masters degree in Education. Having accomplished this goal, she taught for several years at Becker Junior College in Worcester, Massachusetts. Prior to her retirement in 2000, Irene taught at the Court Reporting Institute of Dallas in Dallas, Texas, where she had relocated to be closer to her daughter. As an animal lover, Irene contributed to animal welfare organizations and provided a loving home for three Cocker Spaniels, Erin, Erica, and Precious.
 
 
 A funeral mass will be held for Irene at St. Brendan's Catholic Church, Colebrook, New Hampshire, on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial at St. Brendan's Catholic Cemetery in Colebrook, N.H.. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in Irene's memory be made to Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England, Inc., P.O. Box 162, Greenfield, NH 03047 (
 
  www.csrne.org
 
 ).