Smithfield – Irene Clara Hawes, 83, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, in Skowhegan surrounded by her children, close family, and loved ones. Irene was a hard worker who drove bus independently for the town of Rome before driving for MSAD 47 right up to her retirement. For years Irene would drive a busload of Rome kids to the Sunbeam Roller Rink in Smithfield. Her son-in-law Tim is grateful for that as the Roller Rink was where he met Lili. While Irene drove bus for a living, and to serve her beloved Rome, her true joy was going on rides with her husband Harold and, after Harold's passing, continuing these special rides with her children. While Irene loved these rides throughout New England, those riding with Irene loved them more because they all knew that a humorous story would result. One of her grandchildren captured these sentiments with the simple express; "I loved going for rides with Grammy!" Few people beyond immediate family knew that Irene was quite an accomplished guitar player and Yodeler. Every once in a great while, usually around the holidays, Irene would break out the guitar and give the grandchildren a treat, leaving them speechless or with jaw-dropping shock… "Grammy, you are really good!" She was predeceased by her husband Harold. Irene is survived by her children Darryl Hawes and partner Sue Howard, Michael Bureau and his husband Dennis, and Lili Downing and her husband Tim; grandchildren Christina, Heather, Kayla, Derek, Alex, and Emma; great- grandchildren Zachary, Trevor, Waylen, Rosie, Sammy, Amelia, Jack, Lincoln, Bowden, and Ellie; also, her special cat, Fudge who misses Irene very much. Irene's children would like to thank those that were so helpful during Irene's last few weeks of life. Christina, Sue, and Heather for helping navigate the healthcare world getting Irene the care she needed. Her brother Roger and his wife Lois for the regular visits that Irene so looked forward to and enjoyed so much and their daughter Barb Stevens for her loving presence and help at the hospital in Irene's last days at Redington-Fairview. A small, private committal service is being planned for early October.