Bradford, VT- Irene Beverly Salomaa, 85, formerly of Waits River Road, died at the Blue Spruce Home for the Retired on June 20, 2009. Irene was born to Wm. Merrill and Reta (Thurston) Welch on September 8, 1923, in West Topsham, VT. Irene was a member of the Grange and the Homemakers in Corinth. She attended the New Hope United Methodist Church in Waits River. She was predeceased by her father Wm. Merrill Welch, her mother Reta Willey, her beloved step-father Lewis Willey, and her former husband Theodore Salomaa, Sr. Irene is survived by three daughters, Wanda Burroughs and husband Dwight of Hampton, NY, Linda Tillotson and husband Stephen of East Corinth, VT, and Brenda Batten of Corinth, VT; one son, Theodore Salomaa, Jr. of Bradford; 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; a sister Dolores Smith of Meredith, NH; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. At Irene s request, there will be no calling hours. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 26, at 1 PM in the New Hope United Methodist Church in Waits River, with Rev. Candace Ricker officiating. Burial will follow in the West Topsham Cemetery.