Paulita Frances (Palermo) Irish passed on January 28, 2026 after many years of declining health. She was born in Richmond, VT to Vincenzo James Palermo and Rose (Parent) Palermo on November 14, 1942. She grew up on Main Street in Richmond, the youngest of five children.

She married Harold Irish at Holy Rosary Parish on May 26, 1962, and they made their home in Richmond for over 60 years. Paulita and Harold were long-time parishioners at Holy Rosary and enjoyed being involved in church events, especially the spaghetti dinners. "Pete," as she was known to many, started working at General Electric Credit Corporation in Burlington after high school before accepting a part-time role as secretary to the Richmond Town Clerk in 1967. She was recognized for her 25 years serving the Town of Richmond in many roles, retiring as Town Clerk. For a few years Pete and Harold also co-owned the Richmond Corner Market.

Pete was proud of achieving membership in "The 251 Club," having visited all of Vermont's cities and towns with her friends Rogene and Nancy, with Harold as their chauffeur. She enjoyed her travels to Italy, and was able to visit her father's childhood home in Pozzallo, Sicily. She was proud of her Italian heritage and loved cooking big meals for her family and friends. But her favorite things to make were sweet treats for her grandchildren… she loved being a grandma and could be seen cheering (loudly!) for her grandchildren at various sporting events and attending their school programs.

She is survived by her son Kevin Irish (Angela) and daughter Cathy Tremblay (Tom), grandchildren Thomas Tremblay (Melissa), Meghan Gibbons (Patrick), Erica Weed (Jason), Lauren Irish (Zachary Hicks), and Jessica Irish, as well as great-grandchildren Isabelle and Arthur Gibbons, Hudson Hicks, and Wesley Weed. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Sharon Irish, and by former daughter-in-law Lisa Irish, as well as many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her Green Mountain Nursing & Rehab community where she was treated as a beloved family member for the past 4 years.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Harold on October 20, 2025, her parents Vincenzo and Rose Palermo, brother Vince Palermo and his wife Rosalie, sister Angelina Palmer and her husband Thomas, sister Rosalie Lovett and her husband Abbott, sister Frances Palermo, in-laws Beverly and Bill Mashia, brother-in-law Roy Irish, and brother-in law Howard Irish.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb 3 at 12:00 pm at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Richmond, Vermont with Father Lance Harlow presiding. There will be no wake, and a private burial will take place in the Spring. Pete had great pride in the Town of Richmond, including Cochran's Ski Area where Kevin & Cathy learned how to ski. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may remember her with a donation to Cochran's Ski Area, PO Box 789, Richmond, VT 05477.