Richer, Irene

Irene was born May 20, 1912 into a French-Canadian speaking family in the town of Manchester, NH. Her father, Jean Baptiste Lussier (aka JB), was from Canada and married Clara Paradis, who was described “as a worker” and that “she never stopped” in reference to taking caring of her big family. Irene was the second youngest out of 10 girls and 2 boys. Irene remembers all of the parties they used to have, and there were a lot of them. She also explained that each older child was “assigned” to a younger child. The family schedule included the family eating together at a big table every night. Each day was for a different household chore and on Sunday there were always two big meals. “It’s a very different life now.”

Irene’s father was described as “a salesman and entrepreneur” who had a Model-T Ford that was a delivery truck during the week and then was converted to an open car with seats on the weekend.

Irene started working at age 15. She loved buying her own clothes. There were a lot of house parties and “we used to be busy all the time.” Irene remembers dancing to Cab Calloway for $1.00, Glen Miller, Guy Lombardo and Rudy Valle –that dance cost $1.25. And on special holidays they would dance from 8PM to 4AM. Her favorite dress was made of organdy and lace.

As for moments in history, Irene describes that the Depression didn’t affect them too much because her father was always working—he would make bleach and repair mirrors in the back of the house. He also owned rental properties. Electricity and the Prohibition were quite memorable—especially the people waiting in line to buy liquor. Irene also remembers that when WWII was over there was a parade and flags everywhere—“everyone was happy.”

Irene had two sons with her first husband of 28 years, Hena Sevigny -- Richard Sevigny of Phoenix and Donald Sevigny who lives in Long Island. Irene described seeing her first husband for the first time, “I had my eye on him when I was fifteen, I watched him dance.” But it wasn’t until she was 24 that they married. Irene married her second husband, Emile Richer, in 1967 and they were married for 30 years.

When asked if there was anything else she would like to share, she said, “I don’t keep grudges. I try to do the right thing. It’s just natural, I guess.” In regards to her dancing days, Irene said, “There was nothing wrong with dancing if you liked to dance.” “Today, I don’t call that dancing, I’d call it acrobatics!”

Irene came to Chandler with her son and daughter-in-law, Lu, and likes it here very much. Irene has two grand-sons, Jay Sevigny and D.J. Sevigny; one step-daughter, Rae Desrochers; one step son, Norm Richer; and nine step-grandchildren and ten step- great-grandchildren. We've also included Irene's famous crepe recipe.

To listen to or read the transcript of an oral history interview with Irene Richer recorded on August 23, 2011, click on the icons below:


Interview audio	Interview transcript