Irène Léger, 97 (two days before her 98th birthday), wife of the late Raymond (1972), of Saint John and formerly of Shediac and Mahone Bay, NS, passed away on Friday March 27, 2020, at the Saint John Regional Hospital from congestive heart failure. Born on March 29, 1922 in Dupuis Corner, she was the daughter of the late Gaspard and Martha (LeBlanc) Gagnon.
After her husband, Raymond, died in 1972, Irene became proprietor of Mahone Bay Laundromat, and later also proprietor of Oak Island Treasures Gift Shop in Nova Scotia.
Irène was a quiet, kind, sweet, and gentle soul. For the last 7 years she lived with her daughter, Gisèlle. People often commented how close and happy they were in a way that is rarely seen.
The most important part of Irène’s life was attending Mass when her health permitted, even in the worst of weather. She was deeply spiritual, was a daily Communicant when possible, with a strong devotion to her Catholic faith.
Her strong will to live and her zest for life were admired by all. She was unstoppable, even with her oxygen 24/7. At 97 years old, she still went to church, restaurants, visited relatives in Barachois, and played Bingo. Irène loved going to Rockwood Park to see God’s creatures, especially the deer. Physio had told Irene 7 years ago that if she did their exercise program of 25 minutes two times a day, did 2 to 3 walks a day, and ate well that she would be able to overcome anything that came her way. That all proved true as she sailed through an arterial bypass and later a bowel obstruction, both within the last 3 years. She loved her three beautiful caregivers, Debbie, Joanne, and Terry, who were there until the very end, as well as Dr. Parascan who provided excellent care when needed. Also, Irène praised God for her dearest friends, Maureen Beckwith and her belated mother, the late Eleanor Beckwith, who always made her feel so special. Last but not least, she felt so blessed, that for many years, she had daily contacts by phone with her sisters, Yollande and late Huberte. She also had a tremendous love for all her sisters and brothers.
Irene was an amazing 97 year old who will be missed and remembered by many.
Irene is survived by one daughter, Gisèlle Léger of Saint John; one son, Paul Léger (Dr. Louise MacLean) of Australia; one daughter-in-law, Susan Léger (late Abbé) of Liverpool, NS; two brothers: Gérard (Huberte) of Cap-Pelé, and Edgar (Claudette) of Shediac; one sister, Yolande Léger (late Arthur), as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, she was predeceased by one son, Abbé (2005); four sisters: Huberte Cormier (Gérard), Juliette Gagnon (Edmond), Aurore Gaudet (Emile), and Dorilla Gagnon.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the private funeral service will be streamed LIVE online from Frenette Funeral Centre in Shediac on Monday April 6, 2020 at 11am. To view the live funeral service, there will be a link with her obituary and will be available to be seen for a limited time. Interment will take place in Barachois. In memory of Irène, a contribution to the Saint John Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Building Fund would be appreciated.
Words of comfort and donations can be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com.