It is in the spirit of celebration that we announce the passing, from natural causes, of (Mary) Irene Throop, 99, of Sackville, NB at the Drew Nursing Home, on Thursday, October 14, 2021, exactly ten days shy of her 100th birthday! Irene was born in Sackville on October 24, 1921, daughter of the late François (Frank) and Exhilda (LeBlanc) Bourgeois.
Irene was a force to behold. Her energy was endless. Her caring knew no bounds. She loved to talk and was profoundly social. For many decades, Irene could be seen walking through town, on her way to visit her sisters or friends or to go to work. Sundays was often reserved for visiting "the old people" at The Drew Nursing Home, even when she was one of those people herself!
Irene and her husband adopted Jacqueline late in life. She was 43; however, there was no generation gap. She was the epitome of a loving, nurturing mother. Her love was truly unconditional. She uplifted and supported each step of the way. She was a great friend and a good neighbour.
Growing up during the Depression and WWII, she knew hardship, but she was always grateful for her life, especially the life she made with her husband. In Irene’s own words, she married "a good man, a hard-working man," who remained loyal to her throughout their 69 years of marriage. Irene had a wide circle of friends, including her daughter’s friends, who considered her their "second mother."
Irene’s fire, often seen in her sharp, dark eyes, will be missed but fondly remembered. Her words of wisdom will be held dear. Her work ethic will continue to shine as an example. Even in her 80s and into her 90s, she found ways to work and help. She loved cleaning, especially dusting, which she did until she hit 99! She was proud of her career: working at Mount Allison in housekeeping for 20 years; then, in homes, often of the elderly; servicing rooms at Marshlands Inn and The Different Drummer; and, later in life, babysitting.
Irene’s faith ran deep. Her rosary was a best friend. She loved praying! She was a member of the Middle Sackville Roman Catholic Church for years, eventually moving to St. Vincent’s. In her early years, she enjoyed singing for weddings and funerals with her dear friend, Mary, who harmonized to Irene’s melody. In later years, she gave communion to the sick, laundered the altar clothes, cleaned the church for special occasions and served at parish events, with the Christmas Tea being the highlight of the year, pouring the tea well into her late 80s.
Irene loved deeply and she was loved deeply. Her legacy will live on.
In the words of Ed Sheeran, the Irish songwriter, "Halleluiah. You were an angel in the shape of my Mom. When I fell down, you’d be there holding me up. Spread your wings as you go. When God takes you back, he’ll say ‘Halleluiah, you’re home.’"
She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Jacqueline (Evan) Throop-Robinson, and her husband, Ludger (Dugas) Throop, as well as by her grandchildren, Taylor Dale Yue Mei and Jamie Evan Si Fan, as well as her nieces Madeleine, Annette, Robert (Marg), Carol (Peg) and their children, Diane, Kyle and Kimberley. She will also be missed by many sisters- and brothers-in-law and their children, as well as many dear friends and extended family.
Irene was predeceased by her sisters, Edna and Alice, with whom she was extremely close; her brother, Laurie, whom she loved dearly, and her niece, Helen and great nephew, Marc, both passing far too soon.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB. Honouring Irene's wishes, there is to be no visitation. A eulogy to share memories of Irene will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at St. Vincent's Roman Catholic Church, 63 Charlotte St, Sackville, NB at 9:45 am, followed immediately by the Funeral Mass at 10 am. Interment will follow in the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Middle Sackville.
All are welcome to attend. Proof of vaccination is required.
For those who wish to make a donation in Irene's memory, please consider The Alzheimer’s Society.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.