Obituary
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; 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.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Irene Dobbins.source
death notice Irene Dobbins – mortuary notice Irene Dobbins