Obituary of Irene Mary Roy
Irene Mary Roy (née LeBlanc) passed suddenly at the age of 92, on January 4, 2025, in Grand Falls, NB. Although we were all shocked by her sudden passing, we are so very grateful for her life well-lived, for the mom and Mémère she was, and for the many years and memories we shared with her.
Irene was born in Minto, NB on October 1, 1932 and lived in Minto and Flowers Cove until moving to Grand Falls, NB, in 2019. She was predeceased by her loving husband Jean, in 2010, after 56 years of marriage. Their love and devotion to each other was an example to us all.
She was also predeceased by her eldest son Armand; parents, Pierre & Nazarine (née Bourque); and siblings, Yvonne Langin, Lena Caissie, Emma Caissie, Julie Toner, Father Joseph LeBlanc, Edward LeBlanc, Florence Spears, Sister Doris LeBlanc, and many brothers and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by her children, Paul (Margie) of Florenceville, NB, Laurie (Montserrat) of Edmonton, AB, Ronald (Judy) of Flowers Cove, NB, Maurice (Michelle) of Flowers Cove, NB, and Mary Blunston (Shawn) of Grand Falls, NB; daughter-in-law, Carol Roy of Brockville, ON; grandchildren, Peter Roy (Ayleigh), Marc Roy (Mona), David Roy, Laura Roy, Alex Roy, Alissa Lyons (Jordan), Derrick Roy, Felix Roy, D’Arcy Blunston (Luc), and Matthew Blunston (Jessica); great-grandchild, Lily Lyons; siblings Leo LeBlanc, Anita White (Gerald), Dorine Colton (Brendan), and Bertha O’Leary (Lawrence); Brother-in-law, Robert Spears; and many nieces and nephews.
Irene was well known for her strong work ethic, her acceptance of and kindness to all, her service to others, and her active lifestyle. She enjoyed many activities over the years, including skating, snowshoeing, biking, swimming, and kayaking, to name just a few. There were very few things she wouldn’t try, including repelling down the rock face at Cape Enrage at the age of 84! She more than earned her nickname, “The Energizer Bunny”. She touched more lives than she would ever have understood; through her family, her work at Gallagher’s IGA, participation in weekly community dances, bowling league, bingo nights, or helping out a family member or a neighbour.
With Irene, family came first. She and Jean travelled far and wide visiting their children and siblings. She loved through actions, so when she came to visit you were guaranteed she would clean your house, look after your children, cook, and do yard work. In retirement, Irene and Jean travelled to Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands, before purchasing a small property in West Palm Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed participating in many community activities. Winters in Florida and Summers at the lake kept Irene active year-round. After Jean passed, Irene continued to return to Florida for many years, where she was fondly known as the “Queen of Barkley”.
Irene’s slice of paradise on earth was “The Lake”. A small piece of land purchased by Jean and Irene in 1967 was transformed over the years from a place to camp for a week’s vacation or a weekend, to a small house that became their permanent residence in 2001. Irene took meticulous care of her property and she thoroughly enjoyed welcoming family and friends over the years. It will be hard to look at her dock and not see her sitting there dangling her feet in the water after her swim.
When Irene moved to the Grand Falls Villa in October of 2023, she quickly endeared herself to staff and residents with her joking nature, quick wit, and ever-present smile. She participated in most activities, was always lending a hand by cleaning up after activities, or clearing tables in the cafeteria, and feeding other residents. Despite her advanced age, Irene remained young at heart.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at the Falls Villa for their outstanding care and their love and devotion shown to Irene.
Visitation will take place at Hogg Funeral Home, Minto, NB on May 31, 2025 from 9:00-11:00am, followed by a funeral mass at Holy Rosary Church at 11:00am.
Following the mass, internment will take place at St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Hardwood Ridge, NB. After the internment there will be a reception for family and friends at Holy Rosary Hall.
For those who wish, donations may be made to the Grand Falls Villa by e-transfer at dg@villadeschutes.ca or by cheque payable to Falls Villa Inc. and mailed to: 433 Rue Evangeline, PO Box 7008, Grand Falls, NB, E3Z 1G5; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.