Nellie Mae Irish

Nellie Irish

Nellie Mae Irish, 86, of Rutland, died April 29, 2026 at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, VT surrounded by loved ones. She was born September 14, 1939 in Kirby, VT to James and Eula Messier. A 1957 graduate of Johnson High School, Nellie played on the basketball team; and attended Johnson State College from 1957 – 1958. Then she served in the US Army from 1958 – 1961. She married Michael R. Irish in 1968 and they divorced in 1974.

Nellie retired from CVPS as Billing Clerk in 1994 and the State of VT as a District Clerk for the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services in 2001. She also worked the front desk at Rutland Bowlerama where she adopted many bowlers as her kids, was secretary for the Mixed Nuts league and many youth leagues for several years. She was an avid bowler, teddy bear collector, and cribbage player, winning the state championship 1977. Nellie also enjoyed playing board and card games, doing crosswords of all kinds and games on her computer with her friends and family. Most recently at The Maples, where she resided, she was known for leading Pokeno and Bingo games as well as assisting with dinner services.

Survivors include her daughter, Michelle Irish of Rutland, VT; her brothers, Paul Messier of Barre, VT and Larry Messier of Johnson, VT; her Aunt Loraine Colby of E. St. Johnsbury, VT; sisters-in-law, Sharon Messier of Hyde Park VT and Cindie Badger of Essex, VT; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Ginny) Irish of Brattleboro, VT, Dwight (Debbie) Irish of Bristol and Brian Irish of Brattleboro; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Nellie was predeceased by her parents; her son, Stacey Messier; her sisters, Dolly Peters, Pauline McElory, Florence Cannon, and Valencia McManus; her brothers, Gordon, Abraham, Wayne and Ernest Messier.

A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Wednesday May 27, 2026 at VT Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph VT, with a reception following. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to VNA Hospice of the Southwest Region, 7 Albert Cree Dr, Rutland, VT 05701, https://vermontvisitingnurses.org/donateor Bull Terrier Rescue Mission, www.btrmission.org/donate511 Summit Vw, Moore, SC 29369.

Tossing Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.