Irene K. (Kirchgraber) Bragdon

York, Maine - Irene (Kirchgraber) Bragdon, 92, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2017 with her family by her side.

She was born on April 16, 1925 in Endicott, New York, to Frank and Mary (Whitney) Kirchgraber, and grew up in Endwell, New York.  Irene attended Endicott Johnson High School where she excelled and graduated in 1942 after only three years.  She graduated from Hobart WIlliam Smith College in 1946, where she was a pre-med major, and a member of the William Smith Chorale.  She also sang with the college dance band, and loved to jitterbug.  

Irene moved to York in 1945 with Dr. Alexander and Helen (Kirchgraber) Magocsi, her sister.  She completed a lab tech program in Boston and worked as a medical assistant for Dr. Magocsi from 1945-1951.  Irene was introduced to Edward A. Bragdon, Jr. (Ted) in 1946 by Dr. Magocsi. They were married at the First Parish Church on June 12, 1948, and just celebrated their 69th anniversary.  They raised their family in York where Irene was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, part of an active sewing club, a golfer, on the Sunday School Church Committee at First Parish Church, and a York High School English composition editor.  She also worked for many years at the A. M. Bragdon Agency as a bookkeeper and claims manager.  

After retirement, Irene and Ted bought a house in Spring Hill, Florida, where they spent the next twenty winters hosting children and grandchildren, and golfing. Irene was also a long time member of the York Golf and Tennis Club. Irene was an avid reader, lifelong learner, and loved a good debate.  She also loved traveling with friends and family, and especially loved their adventures in France.  

Irene was predeceased by her sister Helen.  Irene is survived by her husband Ted, children Kathy and her husband Jay Somerville of Sherborn, MA, Skip Bragdon and his wife Arline of York, and Lisa and her husband Jamie Emery of New Hampton, NH.  She leaves behind five grandchildren: J. Deane Somerville, Whitney Elizabeth Somerville, A. Taylor and wife Christine Emery, Emeline Emery and husband Tom Suttie, and Chelsea Bragdon Emery.  She also leaves behind two great grandchildren, Jade Esther Emery and Thomas James Suttie.

We will all miss her loving smile and kind heart.

A time of visitation and remembrance for family and friends will be held from 5 to 7pm on  Sunday, July 23rd, 2017 in the Fellowship Hall at the First Parish Church.  A memorial service will take place at 2:30pm on Monday, July 24th in the First Parish Church, 180 York Street, York, Maine.  A reception will follow.  Burial will be private in the First Parish Cemetery.      In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, York, Maine 03909 or the Alzheimer’s Association Tribute/Memorial: alz.org or Alzheimer’s Association, National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, York, Maine is directing arrangements. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com

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