In profound sorrow we the Management & Staff of Turnbull's Funeral Home & Crematory Services announce the passing Irene Fraser, 83, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands who passed away in Abington, Pennsylvania Saturday, November 23, 2024.  She was the wife of Austin Fraser.She was born on April 5, 1941 in Pleasant Valley, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and was the 10th of 12 children born to Eglantine (Matthias) Mactavious and Abraham Mactavious.

Irene immigrated to St. Thomas in the early 1960's, initially serving as a domestic worker in private residences.  She later worked at various hotels, then at two fabric factories,  followed by cashier positions at  several food stores, including Pueblo Supermarkets.  She remained  at Pueblo for more than 20 years and served in various other  capacities there, including deli manager, eventually working her way up to a store manager. She was a treasured mentor and friend  to many employees and customers during her years at Pueblo.

She was a member of Wesley Methodist Church since its founding in 1967 and she served in many capacities there, including class leader,  choir member, president of the Women's League and Synod host. After her retirement, she was a staple hand in the  church's soup kitchen.

Dating back to her time in the deli at  Pueblo's Long Bay, she became known for her cooking skills and she built a loyal clientele.  Not only did people flock  to  the deli for her food, but she also separately filled special requests. Even after her retirement, she cooked and baked  for friends, family and clients. Tarts were among her many specialties, and she was often asked to bake tarts for customers to ship far and wide to their loved ones. She enjoyed trying new foods and incorporating new things into her repertoire.

Among other hobbies, she was an avid gardener.  Acquiring and  nurturing plants was  real passion.  Her cultivation included local and exotic ornamental plants as well as fruits and vegetables, and she happily shared her bounty with neighbors and others.  In a local  television news story, she was dubbed "the plants  lady."

Besides her husband, she is survived by four children: Ira Mactavious (Lesa Henry Mactavious) of St. Thomas, Brenda Fraser (Gregory Martino) of Wyndmoor, PA, Austin Andrew Fraser (Alessondra Hawkins-Fraser) of Elkins Park, PA, and Bryan Fraser (Shavern Paul Fraser) of Huntingdon Valley, PA,  15  grandchildren ,14 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.  She was predeceased by her son Lucien and  all of her siblings.