The family of Anne Irene Dobbins of St. Albert, Alberta, is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton on January 2, 2017.
Irene was the daughter of Allan McLean and Mary Margaret (Foley) of Blacks Harbour. She was predeceased by Edward, her loving husband of 57 years, mother of Charles, Allan (Betsy), Jayne (Brian), Will (Nancy), Jeff (Jun), Ann (Dave), and sister to Mimi (deceased) and Joan, as well as numerous cherished grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Irene was born in Saint John and grew up in Blacks Harbour. After graduating from high school, Irene earned a BA in Psychology at Dalhousie University. She then studied at Chamberlain Retailing School in Boston, and worked as a buyer in the women’s clothing division of C. Crawford Hollidge in Boston. Irene had a life-long interest in design, style and colour that she laughingly said went back to her early childhood. In 1954, Irene married Edward Dobbins, the love of her life.
While living in Blacks Harbour, Irene was a dedicated Girl Guide leader for over a decade. She put her natural inclinations for comfort aside, learned to tie knots, and became surprisingly well informed on the flora and fauna of New Brunswick. The incongruity of seeing our mother out of her element brought the family great delight–semicolon– we developed an appreciation of her grit and the hidden dimensions of her personality. Irene was also very involved as President of the Blacks Harbour Figure Skating Club. Irene and Ed later moved to Rothesay where they resided for over thirty-five years. Throughout Irene’s adult life, she enjoyed curling and golfing and was an active member of the Union Club and Riverside Country Club. Irene treasured the time she spent at Lake Utopia and was known for her generous warmth and hospitality at her cottage.
Irene was greatly loved by her family and friends and will be remembered as a woman of courage, wit and charm.
A Celebration of Irene’s Life will take place in New Brunswick at a future date.
Mary Ellen Spear says
Dear Aunt Irene,
Thank you…thank you for inspiring us all with your love of life, grace, style and laughter. My heart is heavy for Allan, Jayne, Willie, Jeff and Ann for having to let go.
With love and deepest sympathies,
Mary Ellen
Marilyn Machum says
My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your mom.
She was a great lady.
My thoughts are with you.
Emile & Judy Boudreau says
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Emile & Judy
Paul Durling says
Sorry for your loss. I have only wonderful memories of Ed and Irene and you grade six kids.
Diane Spear says
Thinking of you all and wishing we could be with you. There are no words that can express what we feel on this day and how much Aunt Irene meant to us. So many memories and happy times flood back to me and I can only hope some day we will see her smiling face and hear her warm laughter once again.
Love Diane and Amanda
Joanne Alexander says
To all my Cousins in Canada, I am so sad to hear of your lovely Mothers passing. Every thought of her brings such fond memories. Your Mum was so much fun and so nice to me from the first day I met her and Your Father and Mother were a great couple that everyone loved being near . I am sure that all your wonderful times together with them will help you through these difficult days.
Best Wishes To All Of You,
Joanne (MacDonald) Alexander
Mary Anne Craig says
Vance and I are thinking of all of you, and your families at this sad time. Please know that we valued the long standing relationship starting with my Mom and Dad. Your Mom told me once that Dad seemed like an older brother instead of a cousin.
Looking forward to seeing you all again at Irene’s most favourite place…Lake Utopia.
Love,
Mary Anne
Donna and Alan Lock says
We offer our sincere thoughts to you and your family at this difficult time. We read this morning of the loss of your mother Anne Irene Dobbins ,a wonderful lady ! May all the great memories keep you comforted. Donna and Al
Eshwar & Vittu Kumar says
We were saddened to hear of Irene’s passing. We have very fond memories of both her and Ed, the matriach and patriach of Highland Avenue.
We will always remember her for her grace and immense patience with Hemant!
Our sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences.
Vittu and Eshwar Kumar