Ashland--- Christine Ireland, 71, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at her home. She was born February 17, 1951, a daughter of the late James and Rena (Carney) Saucier.

Christine is survived by her husband of 43 years, David Ireland of Ashland;  daughter, Carla Mahan husband Paul of Hermon; son, Dennis Mullen, Jr. wife Kelly of Suffield, CT; brother, Ray Saucier wife Merlene of Bradley; sister, Lorraine Kirmo husband Dick of Munising, MI; her many grandchildren whom she loved very much, Matthew Barker (Brianna), Adam Barker (Jessica), Cameron Mullen, Jessica Lawrence, Blair Scripture (Ryan), Kyle Mahan, Danielle Mahan; her blessed great grandchildren, Tyler Barker, Gavin Barker, Jace Barker, Alexis Barker, Karson Barker, Harrison Barker, Levi Scripture, Stella Lawrence, Charlotte Lawrence, Owen Scripture, Natalie Mahan, and Rowan Mahan; and many close nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her sister Barbara Hitchcock,  brothers, Emile, James, Jr., Fredrick, and Alfred Saucier.

Christine worked for many years at Columbia Forest Products in Presque Isle. In the later years she worked at The Store and More in Ashland. Christine was very proud of herself to go back to school and earn her GED.

Christine loved to fish, and that was an understatement to all that knew her. She especially loved fishing in the North Maine Woods at her new found spot,  Umbazooksus West Campsite, where she fished for 5 gallon pails of white perch from early morning until late into the evening. Her freezer was always well stocked with filets of white perch to share for 'fish fries".  She would even pee off the side of the boat so to not take the time to go to shore and stop fishing.

In the spring she enjoyed fiddlehead picking with family and friends, working in her garden, picking strawberries in the summer, picking potatoes in the fall left behind from harvesting, and in the winter she would knit pairs of socks. Some can say that they were lucky enough to get a pair of her custom-made socks.

Throughout the years she took special care of the birds, from humming, barn swallows, blue jays and even crows. For many years Christine enjoyed "trucking" with her husband Dave, having seen 46 states of the continental United States.

On Fridays or "Girls' Time," you could find her cherishing her friendship with Laurie Carney and Pearl Hitchcock, who stopped in to enjoy a drink and catching each other up on the town gossip. These two held a special place in her heart.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Christine's family 10 a.m. – 12 noon on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St./PO Box 39, Ashland. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1 p.m. at MTK Trucking Garage, 76 Hacker Farm Road, Masardis.