Irène Therrien

Obituary of Irène Marie Therrien

In Loving Memory of Irène Therrien (née Holmes)
June 11, 1934 – January 27, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Irène Therrien (née Holmes), on January 27, 2025, at the age of 90. Irène was the beloved wife of Gilles Therrien for 68 years. Cherished mother of Michel (Corinne), Lucie (Michael), Hélène (late Steve), Lynne, and Julie (Melvin). She will be dearly missed by her 8 grandchildren; Saffron, Léanne, Collin, Zacharie, Emily, Alexandrina, Véronique, and Soleille, as well as 2 great-grandchildren; Ellissa and Elies. Dear sister to brothers; Gérard, André, Augustin, and Paul. Irène was predeceased by her parents, Marcel and Cézarée Holmes (née Godin), and her siblings, Louis, John, Émile, Bernard, and her only sister, Rita. She will also be missed by her in-laws Diane Rouillier (Maurice), Sr. Lise Therrien, Sr. Isabelle Therrien and Jean-Guy Therrien (Kathy), nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her brother-in-law Claude and his wife Cécile Therrien.

Irène was born in Juniper, New Brunswick, on June 11, 1934, one of 10 children, and proudly embraced her Acadian heritage. At the age of 13, she and her family moved to Welland, Ontario, where she lived and later raised her own family.

Irène and Gilles were high school sweethearts, having met in the 9th grade at Welland High. Together, they embarked on many adventures, both near and far, travelling across several countries and creating a lifetime of cherished memories. Irène had the distinct honor of meeting former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and speaking with Mrs. Vanier at the residence of the Governor General in Ottawa, experiences she spoke of fondly.

A woman of wit, warmth, and creativity, Irène was a devoted mother who loved spending time with her family. She had a passion for singing, reading, baking, and crafting, particularly making hobby horses that she sold at local craft fairs and at the Winona Peach Festival, where she was a long-time vendor. A lover of board games, she always had a competitive spirit, whether playing with family or friends.

A life well-lived and deeply cherished, Irène will be forever remembered for her love of family, her warmth, her generosity, and the joy she brought to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and laughter that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the WELLAND FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 827 East Main St., Welland, ON. A funeral mass will be held sometime in April at Sain-Jean-de-Brébeuf Church, 300 Killaly St. E, Port Colborne to honor Irène’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the local food bank.

You will be missed, but never forgotten, Irène. We love you.

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A Memorial Tree was planted for Irène
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Welland Funeral Home Ltd.
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