Irena J. Parhiala

Irena J. Parhiala, 86, of New Ipswich, NH passed peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at home with her beloved daughter, Cheryl, by her side.

She was born on August 1, 1939, in Norwich, VT, a daughter of the late Fred and Wilma (Stanley) Cook. She was raised in Vermont and was a 1957 graduate of Hanover High School. Following this, Irena would seek to further her education at Keene State College, where she would earn her teaching degree.

Irena would go on to open the first kindergarten in the area in 1965, Noah’s Ark Kindergarten, which is still in operation today. She was very proud of this accomplishment but eventually decided it was time to move on to her next adventure: a career in food service and hospitality. She held many positions over the years; manager of the Riverside Restaurant in Ashby, MA, co-managing the Redbrick Inn in Greenville, NH, and finally opened her own facility and became her own boss at a local favorite, Irena’s Restaurant in New Ipswich.

Irena was a beloved mother, grandmother, and member of the community. She found joy in helping many people. She thrived on cooking and making sure everyone was fed. If she knew you well, she considered you family. Irena was known for her wonderful sense of humor and an easy-going nature. She was never one to complain and always had a smile on her face. She was also a devoted follower of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved him and his teachings with all of her heart.

She was a voracious reader and loved to read the newspaper every day, but sadly lost her vision in 2021. However, this would not stop her love of books because thankfully she had her audiobooks as well as her wonderful family and friends to read to her. Puzzles and crossword puzzles also brought her great joy.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband Arthur Brooks Jr., her sister Lois Hutchins, and her brothers Bill Cook, Samuel Cook, Henry Cook, and Chet Cook. And her former second husband Otto Parhiala.

Irena is survived by her daughters Cheryl Harris, and Chrystal Rozsa, her sons Clifford Parhiala, Clayton Parhiala, and Clinton (Heikki) Parhiala, and her brother David Cook. She was also the proud grandmother of 18 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

She leaves behind her much-loved wired haired dachshund, Oliver. He was her constant companion in her retirement years and was a great source of comfort. He now lives with her granddaughter Ariana and her husband Dave and her great grandson Sawyer.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her kindness, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Though she may be gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our memories.

Family and friends are warmly invited to Jaffrey Bible Church on Sunday November 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM, located at 133 Turnpike Road, Jaffrey, NH for Irena’s Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations in Irena’s name to a charity of your choice.