BLAIRSTOWN, Mo.--Irene J. Beja, 78, of Blairstown, died Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at her residence.

Irene Josephine Meade was born June 26, 1930, in New York City, the daughter of Albert Edward Meade and Elizabeth Ann Clarkson Meade. She married Victor Beja in 1958 in New York City, where she resided for the majority of her life.

She had been an executive secretary for International Food & Fragrances for many years. In 2006, she moved to Blairstown to be closer to her family.

Survivors include two sisters, Rita Mahoney of East Stroudsburg, Penn., and Monica Wall of Blairstown, and several nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Victor; both parents; two sisters and one brother.

A private memorial service was held at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden, with the Rev. Peter M. Savidge of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Holdin officiating.

There will be a private interment in the Wall Cemetery, located near Blairstown, at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net