Irene Perry (Ponte) Slight

Irene Perry Slight, 97, of Durham, wife of the late Leo H. Slight, passed away on December 3, 2024.  Born in New Bedford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Cabral) Ponte, Jr.

Irene was the owner of Irene’s Bakery & Delicatessen in Durham for several years.  She and Leo also started L & I Distributors, later known as L & I Refrigeration, Inc., a family-run business now for sixty years.  Irene was a member of the Good Sam’s Club, the Durham Seniors and volunteered at Middlesex Hospital.  Irene loved to travel with her husband, winter vacations in Florida, was an avid reader, knitter and a puzzle master! Above all, Irene’s family was her pride and joy.

Irene is survived by three sons Philip Slight and his wife Shari of Moyock, NC, Dennis Slight and his wife Debbie of Southington and David Slight and his wife Marianne of Durham; seven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Along with her husband and parents, Irene was predeceased by her son Roger E. Slight.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown.  A burial will follow in the State Veterans Cemetery.  Family and friends may call on Tuesday morning before the service from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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