Irene LeBlanc

The Lord gave us a deeply loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, and He has taken her back into His loving arms. Irene Gendron passed peacefully from earthly life into life eternal on June 13th, 2024. Grieving her loss are her devoted husband Origene; son Raymond (Jeanette); grandsons Ryan (Monique), Todd (Amanda) and Mike (Julie); great-grandchildren Xavier, Avila, Benedict, Felix and Augustine; and her dear siblings, nieces and nephews. Welcoming her into heaven are her beloved parents Arthur and Lucille Gendron; her children Lucille, Martin, and Anne-Marie; and her siblings who went ahead of her.

Irene was born on the homestead near Pré-Ste. Marie, SK, the third of fourteen children. Surrounded by so much family, she grew up loving people through joyful laughter and embracing her share of the work, which defined her character throughout her life. Overcoming polio and delighting in learning in her youth formed her lifelong self-image. God’s providence led her to meet the love of her life, Origene, who has been smitten ever since. Their shared life had difficulties, yet their faithfulness led them to the joys God granted to balance their affliction. Chief among their joys was their son Raymond. As Raymond grew, Irene opened her own beauty salon. Irene and Origene finally built their own house in Birch Hills, SK, where for 49 years, Irene loved her community through hairdressing and parish involvement. In 2018, Irene and Origene moved to St. Ann’s Village in Saskatoon where they met old and new friends.

Irene was an unforgettable person, filled with quick wit, deep faith, strong will and work ethic. While she was often humble in the background, guests who entered her hospitality were swept up into the genuine affection, playful banter, and practical sensibility with which she lived her life so vividly. Irene passionately loved her life, her husband, her family, and her community, because the God of love filled her mind, heart, soul, and strength.

The family would like to thank St. Ann’s Senior Citizens Village for their care and love for Irene and Origene. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Ann’s at www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/28225 in Irene's memory.

Vigil of Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 182024 at Mourning Glory Funeral Services (1201 8th Street East, Saskatoon). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday June 19, 2024 at The Cathedral of The Holy Family (123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon). For those unable to attend please visit https://youtube.com/live/yFTt4mMbAeo?feature=share to view the service.

Arrangements entrusted to Aime Laventure.