Obituary of Irene Rose Barese

Danbury – Irene Rose (Erdos) Barese, age 96, of Danbury passed away peacefully at Hancock Hall in Danbury on February 23, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Salvatore E. Barese, and two daughters, Barbara and Dorene.

Mrs. Barese was born in Berlin, New Hampshire eldest child of the late Frank and Rose (Donato) Erdos.  She was also predeceased by her siblings, Katharine James, Pearle Saalborn, Mary Sandstrom, and Frank Erdos.

Irene attended Danbury schools and had an early career as an accomplished milliner and seamstress.  While a homemaker raising her children, she sewed exquisite dresses and clothing for her daughters. Teachers would often single out one of her girls to marvel at Irene’s handiwork.  Throughout her life, Irene mastered every type of craft medium she picked up and was a prolific artisan.  Be it ceramics, macramé, needlepoint, or whatever, she would ultimately create numerous masterpieces. Her passion for crafting lead her to open The Craft Basket in Brookfield where she sold supplies and taught classes.  She ran The Craft Basket for many years until she and her husband relocated to Florida where they lived for over thirty years.  She took up quilting there and was an active member of the Hernando Quilters Guild where she won many awards.

Mrs. Barese is survived by her children: David Barese of New Milford, Richard Barese and his wife Margaret of Danbury, Kathi Barese and her husband Gary Heering of Danbury, Nancy Barese of Danbury and Sharon Hamilton of Lakeville, eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the many wonderful Hancock Hall staff members, particularly Isabel Mesa and the nursing staff on 2South, for their caring, kindness and compassion.

There are no services.