Irene K. Smolinski (Kelley) of Wellesley, formerly a longtime resident of Chestnut Hill, passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the age of 78. Born in Cambridge to the late Vincent and Edith (Butcher) Kelley, Irene graduated from Cambridge High and Latin, class of 1963. She attended nursing school in Washington DC and worked for many years as an LPN at Deaconess Hospital in Boston. During this time, she earned her bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and Master of Social Work from Simmons College. She worked as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until her retirement in 2008. Irene was predeceased by the love of her life, Leon Smolinski, himself a renowned professor of economics at Boston College and Harvard.

Friends are welcomed to the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, Wellesley, Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 10-11AM to share remembrances. Interment will be private.