Irene Jacques

Irène Jacques

Peacefully at the Notre Dame Hospital on Sunday, May 22, 2016, Ms. Irene Jacques of Russell, Manitoba passed away at the age of 64 years.

She leaves to mourn her partner Jack Stefanishyn, her daughters Lise (Luc) Deleurme, Suzanne (Jason) Propp and 4 grandchildren: Talia and Dérick Deleurme and Rylan and Cayden Propp; her sisters Denise de Rocquigny and Marilyne (Marcel) Poirier and brother Robert (Denise) Jacques as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Irène was predeceased by her parents Armand and Adèle (née Bellec), brother in law Robert de Rocquigny and Jack’s parents Peter and Annie Stefanishyn.

Irene was born December 1, 1951 in St. Claude, Manitoba, the second daughter of Armand and Adele Jacques. She was married in 1971 and raised two daughters in Haywood, Manitoba.

In 2001 she moved to Russell, Manitoba to be with her very special partner Jack Stefanishyn. She thoroughly enjoyed life in the country. They took many trips together and loved visiting new places. They went to Mexico twice, Venezuela, and Dominican Republic. But the most memorable was their trip to the East coast in 2013 in their new RV. She was very organized and planned out every detail of each day along the way.

Irene worked as the secretary and teacher’s aide at the Dandurand School in Haywood from 1981 until it closed in 1991. She loved teaching and working with all the students. She then went on to work at the Caisse Populaire in St. Claude and later the Dufferin Credit Union in Carman until she moved to Russell. There she took various positions during many Provincial and Federal elections. She worked long hours but most of all made great lasting friendships with many co-workers. Irene also had her own bookkeeping and income tax business from home, which is what she enjoyed the most.

Mom had many talents and created so many handmade items for her children, grandchildren and friends. Everything from doll clothes, baby blankets, pyjamas, jackets, tuques to personalized quilts for each of us. Everything she made was carefully planned and stitched with love. She also loved gardening which kept her busy each summer, canning and preserving various fruits and vegetables. Her beautiful flower beds were filled with her favourite flowers, but was particularly fond of her plant named ‘The Bleeding Heart’.

But the true loves of her life were her two daughters, their husbands and grandchildren. She loved listening to all of their stories and spending time with them was so precious to her. They often played online games and chatted together. Sometimes just laughing and being silly.

Mom, you are at peace now, no more worries, no more pain.

You’ll be in our hearts forever. You have reunited with Grandmère and Grandpère.

We’ll always love you!

Prayers will be held at Adam’s Funeral Home on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held in the St. Claude Roman Catholic Church on Friday, May 27, 2016. Rosary and eulogy at 1:30 p.m. followed by celebration of the Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. with Msgr. Roger Bazin and Rev. Mykhaylo Khomitskyy officiating. Interment in the Parish Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation for the loving care and compassion given to Irene by the nurses and health care professionals of the Russell and Notre Dame Hospitals.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Notre Dame Health Foundation Box 190, Notre Dame de Lourdes, MB R0G 1M0 or to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation 1160-675 McDermot Ave Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca

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