Obituary of Irma Virginia (Gourley) Mager

Irma Virginia (Gourley) Mager died at her home in Brooksby Village in Peabody on Wednesday morning Jan. 17, 2007. Irma was born on December 19, 1924, the daughter of the late John Abbott and Lucy Alice (McDonald) Gourley of Lowell St., Peabody. Irma was a 1942 graduate of Peabody High School. She later trained and obtained certification as a Dental Assistant. She worked for 40 years in the dental office of Dr. Aristotle Vontzalides in Peabody. She was the first Dental Assistant ever elected to the Massachusetts Dental Board, appointed by Gov. Michael Dukakis. Irma was an accomplished musician as well, and played organ for several years at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem. Wed to her beloved husband of 55 years, Eric and Irma Mager lived together at 27 Columbus Ave. in Beverly for 50 years. Irma is survived by three daughters, Dr. Donna Lee Mager and her husband Fred Alper of Boston, Dr. Deborah Mager of Beverly and Brenda and her husband Paul Mooney of Danvers; her cherished granddaughter, Julie Marie Gaieski, and several nieces and nephews. We will lay her to rest this Saturday morning and her Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 AM at Christ Church, 149 South Asbury St. South Hamilton, and (978) 468-4461. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, on North Street in Salem. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody Facility.