Irene de Roche, staff worker of Madonna House, died suddenly on August 27, 2019 at St. Joseph House, Madonna House Apostolate, Combermere.
Irene, daughter of Eddie de Roche and Rosalind Ackie-Simon was born in Carriacou, Grenada, West Indies. She attended Hillsborough Government School in Carriacou, Grenada, and came in contact with Madonna House there, helping in their handicraft cooperative for a number of years before asking to become a member of the Apostolate.
Her time of formation was in Carriacou and she made her first promises to the Community on 15 August 1972.
She continued to serve in Carriacou until that house was closed in 1980, and then served at the house in Verdun, Barbados until she was transferred to St. Joseph House in Combermere in 1981. A year later she was asked to be part of the team opening Madonna House in Toronto where she served over a period of 35 years, returning to St. Joseph House, Combermere two years ago.
Irene was predeceased by her parents and her brother, John.
Wake services for Irene will be held from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. on Friday, September 6 at St. Mary’s Chapel, Madonna House. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7 at 11 am, at St. Mary’s Chapel with internment at the Madonna House cemetery. A reception will follow.
The members of Madonna House, and particularly St. Joseph House, are deeply grateful for the overwhelming expressions of love and support from many friends throughout the Valley.