BRATTLEBORO -- The Liturgy of Christian Burial for Irene F. Gilbert was celebrated Friday morning at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church on Walnut Street.The Rev. Stanley Deresienski, S.S.E., was celebrant. Assisting on the altar was Rev. Francis X. McMahon. Edmund Maloney served as acolyte and cross bearer.Music for the Mass was under the direction of church organist Constance Wallin, who accompanied the St. Michael's Church choir. The prelude was, “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring,” by J. S. Bach, and the Entrance hymn was “O, Rest in the Lord.”The pall was placed on the casket by Mrs. Gilbert's four children, sons Robert, Thomas, and William, and her daughter Patricia Pasha.The Old Testament reading from Isaiah was read by Jamie Gilbert, a granddaughter. The New Testament reading from Romans was read by Kate Clark, also a granddaughter, followed by the Gospel from St. Matthew, read by Rev. Deresienski.In his homily, Rev. Deresienski gave tribute to Mrs. Gilbert as a woman who made people feel at home, always welcoming others into her circle of love. Deresienski spoke of Mrs. Gilbert as a person who was loved by many and one who found practical ways to convey her appreciation of others. Mrs. Gilbert was also remembered as a faithful member of St. Michael's Parish whose virtues were found in her faith.Rev. Deresienski concluded his homily stating, “This earth has been impoverished by her death.”The congregation joined in reciting the prayers of the faithful and the Lord's Prayer.As the altar was being prepared for Holy Communion, the presentation hymn, “Amazing Grace” was sung by Brittany Gilbert, a granddaughter. The communion hymn was, “Ave Maria,” featuring soloist Regina Reffi who also sang in Polish, the communion meditation, “Serdeczna Matko.”The offertory gifts were presented at the altar by Christie Gilbert and Elyssa Gilbert, both granddaughters.The eulogy was given by Mrs. Gilbert's youngest son William, who extended words of thanks and appreciation to the congregation. Gilbert remembered his mother as a woman who instilled a strong sense of family and work ethic in her children, giving testimony of her devotion to her family. Mr. Gilbert concluded by stating his mother lived her life to the fullest.The farewell hymn was, “The Hand of God Shall Hold You,” and the recessional hymn was “How Great Thou Art.”The mass closed with the final commendation and incensing of the casket.Committal rites and burial followed in the Gilbert family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery where Rev. Deresienski offered committal prayers and led in the singing of responsorial Psalm 23.Serving as pallbearers were Gregory Pasha, Benjamin Gilbert, Jonathan Gilbert and Cory Gilbert, all grandsons, Gregory Taylor, a nephew, and Marshall Wheelock, a close friend of the family.A reception followed the services at the Gilbert family home on Prospect Street.Delegations attending the services included the Brattleboro post office, Dowd Insurance Co. of Holyoke, Mass., Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, Vernon Advent Church, Brattleboro Women's Evening Club and family members from Rutland.Mrs. Gilbert, 84, of Prospect Street, died Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006, at Eden Park Nursing Home.Arrangements were under the direction of the ATAMANIUK FUNERAL HOME.u