Iris F. Gomes

Southwick-Iris F. (Early) Gomes, 67, Ascended Into the Journey of Everlasting Life, on March 5, 2018. She was the devoted wife of 47 years to Gregory J. Gomes. Iris was born on July 16, 1950, a daughter of the late Dana and Dolly (Wasson) Early. She was a longtime resident of Feeding Hills, having moved to Southwick five years ago. Iris began her career of helping others as a Nurses Aid, at the age of 17; working at Mercy Hospital. She attended Dean Vocational School, Holyoke where she became a Licensed Practical Nurse a profession she was dedicated to for over 20 years; returning to Mercy Hospital. She retired in 2008 from Western Massachusetts Hospital, in Westfield. Iris also worked for Dr. Arthur King, in Southwick. Iris was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church, Southwick and was involved in many of the church’s activities including the praise and worship groups, Gift Basket Ministry, and the Westfield Soup Kitchen. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Besides her husband, Iris is survived by three sons, Victor G. Gomes and his wife Jennifer of Westfield, MA, Dan Gomes and his wife Jamie of West Springfield, MA, Matthew G. Gomes and his wife Jessica of Westfield, MA; one brother, Dan Early and his wife Karen of West Virginia; three sisters, Pearl Young and her husband Bob of Pennsylvania, Cherry Foltz of West Virginia, Sue Boserman of West Virginia; 5 grandchildren, Dietrich Gomes, Mackenzie Gomes, Nina Gomes, Kaitlyn Gomes, Emery Gomes; her step mother, Florence Early of Pennsylvania; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members, and her faithful dog Max Calling hours are from 4:00PM-7:00PM on Friday (March 9th) in the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 624 College Highway (Highway 10/202), Southwick. Her funeral service will begin at 9:00AM on Saturday (March 10th) in the funeral home. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00AM in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sheep Pasture Road, Southwick. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Westfield, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bethlehem House Inc., P.O.Box 1393, Easthampton, MA 01027. Items may dropped off at the office by appointment or the gift of your time would be appreciated by calling Pam at (413) 262-8517. bethlehemhousewma.org