<!-- FH = Abbey Funeral Home and Tallahassee Memory Gardens, 850-562-1518, <a href="http://www.abbeyfh.com" target="_new">www.abbeyfh.com</a> -->Irene Simas Carter Born July 27, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, Irene Simas Carter, passed away on the morning of October 4 in her home after her third battle with cancer.She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert C. Carter and her five devoted children: Debbie Schuck, Chris Carter (Patti McMullen), Nancy Byington, Cassie Tucker (Richard) and Becky Leckinger. She thoroughly enjoyed her 9 grandchildren.Irene graduated in 1946 from the Long Island School of Nursing at Brooklyn, New York where she later worked as an RN at the VA Hospital. Classmates described her as "sweet as sugar, only more refined."Irene spent her life as a nurturer. She cared for foster children before having her own who she devoted her life to. Later she cared for her father, Stanley, and her mother Teresa Simas.Irene enjoyed reading, dancing with Bob, going to the theatre and taking care of her grandbabies. A friend once wrote: "You occupy a special niche - a niche reserved for those who endear themselves by just living, by being around, by gracing this world.The funeral is 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 8, 2011, at Abbey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, at the funeral home. The family extends a special thanks and gratitude to the staff at Big Bend Hospice.Donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.abbeyfh.com.