February 28, 1940 – July 4, 2024
On Thursday, July 4th, we lost the matriarch of our family, Irene Hebert at the age of 84.
Irene was born in Transcona on February 29, 1940. She was a good student and a voracious reader. She met Aime who was working for her dad, and they began dating in the mid-fifties. Their wedding was a lavish affair at St. Boniface Basilica in June 1958. They resided in Transcona, and Windsor Park as a young couple. They raised their boys in Lorette and Ste. Anne and later moved to Selkirk.
She was an entrepreneur throughout her life having owned and operated an eclectic collection of businesses including secretarial placement, a motel/gas bar, income tax prep, family counselling and retail sales. She took great joy in performing as a wedding officiant and great pride in Bonded Health and Mobility.
Mom was committed to every community she lived or worked in. She was involved in Girl Guides and Scouts, the Huntington Indy Go-Kart Challenge, Cancer Walk as well as Selkirk’s Handi-Bus, Food Bank, Team for At-Risk Teens program and Holiday Alley. She also opened her home to international students from India and Thailand.
She was very proud of her Metis heritage so was a huge advocate and supporter of indigenous programs and affairs.
Irene is predeceased by her parents Ed and Mae Nadeau, brothers Eddy, Andy, Fred, nephew Murray, grandson (her luky-luke) Lucas McDonald and her eternal love, husband Aime who we know met her with open arms.
She is survived by sisters Helen Stiller and Alice Groot (Tom), sons Patrick (Cher), Philip (Doreen), Brad, Greg (Wendy) and Terry (Dawn). Irene adored her grandchildren Nick (Diana), Shane (Robyn), Danielle (Caleb), Jasmin, Tamara (Jack), Alexandra, Amelia, Arden and Jesse and was so proud to be great-grandma to Addison, Kennedy, Quinn, Ivy, Peter, Preston, and Percy. Irene also leaves seven nieces, a nephew, their children and grandchildren. Last but nowhere near least, Nicole Cinq-Mars her beloved friend, confidant, side-kick, nurse and cousin who was more like a daughter.
And if that wasn’t enough, her heart had room for honorary children Rob Cox, Alexis Cinq-Mars and Matthew Pringle whom she loved dearly.
Mom was a good friend and in turn, she had many. We could not end this memorial without mentioning the people who were so important to her. Long-time friends Susan McComb, Sigrid & Don Zueff and family, Linda and Jim McIntosh, workers and friends Debbie McCuaig and Phoebe Thomas, and close friends in business and life Brett Mitchell , Larry Patzer and Rick Kotaska.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 18th at 2 pm at the Selkirk Legion, 403 Eveline Street.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Irene’s memorial page using the comment field below.