Irene Blais passed away Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 at Villa Pascal at the age of 105 years and 38 days. Irene was predeceased by her husband Evariste and her grand daughter Tina Blais. She leaves to mourn her children: Ray (Audry), Mariette Chamberland, Albert (Helene), Madeleine (Horst) Dahlem, Normand (Gilberte) and Andre (Shirley); her grandchildren: Daniel (Tami) Blais, Andree (Chris) Groves, Jennifer (Ian) Heggstrom, Nathan (Andrea) Blais, Paul (Valerie) Chamberland, Pierre (Jocelyne) Chamberland, Martin (Cecile) Chamberland, Claire Edwards, Irene (Clint) Jacula, Sophie (Kamal) Yalbir, Denis (Lori) Blais, Brigitte (Brad) Churchwell, Sarah (Laurence) Falcon, Tyson (Lisa) Dahlem, Erica Dahlem, Chantal Blais, Tristan Blais, Melanie Blais, Natalie Blais, Leigh Blais, Bobby (Michelle) Blais; her great-grandchildren: Keltye and Jacynthe Blais, Cassie and Sammie Heggstrom, Martine, Francois and Simon Chamberland, Johanna Chamberland, Wyatt, Noah and Isabelle Jacula, Stephen and Anna Yalbir, Juliette Blais, Charlie and Molly Churchwell, Kylie Blais, Hunter Dahlem and Zoe Blais; Â her sister Therese Pelletier of the Sisters of the Presentation, sisters-in-law Juliette Wambeke and Irene Blais, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Irene was born in Ste Perpetue, Quebec on Sept 29, 1909. She immigrated to Saskatchewan in 1918 with her family. They first lived in Vonda, then in Duck Lake where her father, David, was the school custodian at St. Michael's Residential School and her mother, Josephine, was a seamstress. Irene taught in rural Saskatchewan during the Dirty Thirties. In 1939, she found herself in Delmas, where she met Evariste whom she married Oct. 16, 1940. They farmed in the Delmas area, raising 6 children, until their retirement in 1970 to North Battleford. During their retirement they enjoyed travelling. Irene studied painting for several years. Evariste passed away in 1985. Shortly after, Irene moved into Ruth Whyte Manor. In 2012, her failing health forced her to be admitted to Villa Pascal, where she received the very best of care. Irene was buried on Monday, November 10, 2014 in Delmas at l'Eglise St. Jean-Baptiste-de-la-Salle, and was buried beside her husband in the Delmas Cemetery. Fr. Greg Elder officiated, assisted by Brother Don Claerhout O.M.I. The family would like to thank the staff at Villa Pascal for their many kindnesses to their mother, Dr. Tootoosis for her respectful care of her oldest patient, the Notre Dame Parish CWL for the Honour Guard, the music ministry of Karen Blais, Lisa Hornung, Terri Michaud and Gary Gansauge, and all our family, friends and neighbours. Memorial donations can be made to the Villa Pascal Residents' Fund (1301,113th St., North Battleford, S9A 3K1) or to a charity of the donor's choice.Â
