Obituary of Irene Lafrance

Irène Andrée Coots of Gravleoburg, SK passed away on January 17, 2016, at the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg, at the age of 100. Irène was born on Nov. 7, 1915, on a farm 10 miles northeast of Gravelbourg. As a young girl, she enjoyed horses and could be found helping her father, Charlie, tend to the horses. She attended school at the Convent of Jesus Mary. After completing her schooling, Irène worked at the hospital from 1932-1936, earning $5.00 a month. In 1936, she married Pierre Lafrance and became a busy farm wife: planting gardens, raising chickens, milking the cows and at harvest time, feeding the men on the threshing crews. In 1940 she gave birth to Hélène and then in 1943, Philippe was born. In 1951, Pierre and Irene moved to town. That same year, Richard was born. In 1958, Irène returned to work at the hospital first as a nursing assistant and then in the office. Irène and Pierre made many trips to attend curling events visiting countries including Scotland and Switzerland. They enjoyed these trips tremendously, making many new friends. However, Irène’s greatest pleasure was being at home with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were especially dear to her. She was always interested in their various activities. Irène was an excellent cook and was a great hostess. The Christmas Réveillon was always very special at the Lafrance house with Irène’s tourtières, mincemeat tarts and little cream filled cones. Irène was not a person who could sit and be idle. She completed many beautiful needlepoint pictures and crocheted afghans. In November of 2010, Irène moved to the Foyer. It was difficult for her to leave her home, but she soon adapted. She enjoyed the frequent visits of the compassionate staff and her many good friends and family. Irène was predeceased by her husband Pierre in 2009, her son Philippe in 1996, her parents Béatrice and Charlie Coots, as well as her two sisters and their husbands, Agnes and Roland Carter and Mary and Jim Gallant. She is survived by her son Richard, her daughter and son-in-law, Hélène and Charlie Gauthier, her grandchildren Pierre and Marcel (Francine) Gauthier, as well as her great-grandchildren, Sylvie and Julien Gauthier. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK, with Father Hope Klutsey officiant. Soloist Henri Lepage Jr. was accompanied by organist Leona Bourgeois. Readings were shared by Sylvie Gauthier and Francine Gauthier. Cross Bearer was Robert Verville. Urn Bearer was Richard Lafrance. Interment took place at the Gravelbourg R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Irène to St. Joseph Hospital/Foyer d’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0 and Masses were greatly appreciated.