BRISTOL — Irene Lawrence acquired a few nicknames during her 33 years in Bristol. To the town residents she greeted from her porch — or from out front of the Corner Store or Main Street Diner — she was known as the “Bench Hugger.” So strong were the 87-year-old’s spirit and will to live that her doctor called her the “bounce-back kid.” Her grandchildren called her “Nana.” But for a few sweet minutes toward the end of every Friday night at Hatch 31 on Main Street she was just “Irene.” “Good night, Irene,” Ha … (read more)
