It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our loving Mother, Irène Marie Belliveau, née DesRoches, of Moncton, on Thursday May 6, 2021 at the age of 85. Born in Lewsiville in 1935, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Marie (Dugas) DesRoches.
She was a dearly beloved best friend and treasured mother to Patsy Hinchey (Allen) and Linda Pagliacci (Vincent); cherished grandmother and great-grandmother of Sophie Robinson (Doug), Seth and Emily; Danielle Mills (Kade), Rion and Reina; Nate Scribner (Marina), Sutton and Selena; Tammy Scribner, Makayla and Tyler. She will be sadly missed by her siblings: Andy DesRoches (Clara), Phyllis Légèr (Jules), Claudette Chase (Bryan), Thérèse Mancari (Fred), Catherine Doucett (Robert), Bobby DesRoches (Rita), Yvette DesRoches and Yvonne DesRoches (Pierre); as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur (1990); and two sisters: Dorilla Allain (Robert) and Jeannette Cormier (Yvon).
Irène dedicated her work life to retail. She started with Woolworth’s as a window dresser in the late 50’s and enjoyed a long career throughout the transition from it to Woolco to Walmart Canada from which she retired in 2000 at the age of 65, as a Department Manager, alongside her lifelong and dear family friend of 50+ years, and cohort Doreen Desmond. You seldom saw one without the other, their antics in the pet and toy departments are still fondly remembered to this day.
Irène was very humble; she always put others needs ahead of her own. Throughout her life, the one thing that was most important to her was the love, health and happiness of her two daughters. Mom taught us many things amongst them humility, compassion, loyalty and respect. Instilling in us courage to face adversity, making us the strong women we are today. Thank you Mom for your wisdom and unconditional love. Irène enjoyed simple things: playing bingo, picking berries, and clam digging with her sisters: Jeannette, Dorilla, Phyllis and Cathy, her daily chats with sister Cathy and daughter Linda, going to bluegrass sessions with Doreen, their marathon chats, and many outings. Mom loved her Tim’s, doing puzzles, crosswords, Danielle Steele novels, knitting, CNN and her Blue Jays.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her dear niece, Debbie Melanson, for her extraordinary kindness, compassion, care and tenderness. We would also like like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff and ward clerks on ward 4600 at the Moncton City Hospital, for their excellent care and compassion, who made the end of her brief courageous journey, peaceful and dignified. A very sincere thank you to Dr. Gerald McDonald and a special thank you to Dr. Randip Khatkar, for his empathy, compassion, and kindness, and for making our Mother’s journey peaceful. The family would also like to thank Father Arthur Bourgeois whose touching prayers and tenderness were greatly appreciated. Irène fought valiantly as she had all of her life. Her journey was short; for her a blessing. She will be sorrowfully missed by many and will live forever in our hearts.
Due to current Covid-19 restrictions and keeping with Irène's wishes, a ceremony of life will follow when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, in memory of Irène, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, the MS Society, or the Alzheimer Society would greatly be appreciated. Funeral arrangements are in the professional care of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Moncton (858-1900).
Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com