Tribute Wall
Friday
8
January
Funeral Liturgy
2:00 pm
Friday, January 8, 2021
Brenan's Paradise Row Funeral Home Chapel
111 Paradise Row
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
(506) 634-7424
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Kelly Ferris posted a condolence
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Tim, I am so sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. She was a beautiful soul.
I know she is in heaven with Mom (Valerie) wreaking havoc and having a grand old time.
Kelly
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Heather Reed posted a condolence
Sunday, January 10, 2021
For My Beautiful Friend,Irene Rootes.........who made the earth more Beautiful,,,,just by being here.......”if you remember anything of me,after I leave this world,remember,that I Loved........even when it was foolish.That I cared,even when,it was unwanted.When,my body is gone,Remember My Heart !” Author Unknown You have been an incredible GIFT,,,,,,for us ALL....II,,,,Love You,,,,,Beyond,Hezzie.
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Joy Hobson posted a condolence
Saturday, January 9, 2021
So sorry for your loss Tim; So sorry that Irene has left us. Irene was a witty and entertaining friend, She will be missed.
Joy Hobson
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Vicki McWhinnie posted a condolence
Saturday, January 9, 2021
Feel so very privileged to have had you as my lovely Aunty Irene, and of course Uncle Tim. Although we never got to see each other much, you will always be remembered as my smiling, laughing aunty who gave the greatest hugs which made you know you were loved by someone truly special. You will always be remembered with great love by me, Marie and Paul and of course your wee brother Robert. Sending huge hugs to lovely Uncle Tim ❤
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Mary Hancox uploaded photo(s)
Friday, January 8, 2021
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On December 22 Irene was raised up on angels wings. Today with the help of Msgr Sheehan; Tim, family and friends were able to remember Irene and pay tribute to the amazing woman that she was. She will live on in all our hearts!
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Edward posted a condolence
Friday, January 8, 2021
Aunty Irene and Uncle Tim, Deeply saddened by aunty Irene's passing RIP , we miss her so much and pray for uncle Tim's sadness.
Lots of love from Edward (her godson) Evelyn and Lisa
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Helen, Don, Nick and Rory Shepherd posted a condolence
Friday, January 8, 2021
Irene and Tim have been so much a part of our lives for so long - although we're maybe the juniors here, only having known them for 35 years or so. Her fantastic sense of humour, caring presence and ability to make everybody within sight feel that they were the most important and that they have just had a big hug, will be sorely missed. We feel privileged to have known her and we will never forget her.
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Catherine and Andrew Mcwhinnie posted a condolence
Friday, January 8, 2021
It's been 60 years since our paths first crossed and I was lucky enough to speak briefly to her on the phone from Scotland just 6 days before her death. Even then I was amazed and thrilled to get a dose of that lovely laughter. Every tribute is filled with joy and happiness at memories of Irene ,with no hint of sadness, but much gratitude to her for everything she gave to each and every one of us; much of what she gave was more precious and helpful than material things - though she was a veritable Santa Claus. I never once heard her complain or whine about anything. She is my very dear sister in law, bridesmaid, God parents (she and Tim) to my daughter also (Irene). On the christening day on a beautiful sunny day in July 1969 in Montreal we, they and many friends and family watched the landing of the first man on the Moon. It was such a joyous occasion for everybody. Andrew and I spent many periods of a few days to few weeks with Irene and Tim over the 60 years depending on what was happening at the time, either in our house or theirs, whether in Greenock, Montreal, Halifax,Nova Scotia, London or Hambourg.
Irene was a very talented and devoted nurse and, as a midwife, delivered countless babies. She adored babies. I was immeasurably glad of her medical expertise, inner and outer strength and cool head on the day that she saved my husband's life - her brother Andrew. Andrew and I, her sister Mary and baby Irene were visiting them in Montreal. When we were leaving Andrew was carrying the tiny baby.Irene gave us an open tray of fresh eggs; Andrew passed the baby to me in order to carry the eggs and we headed for the flight of stone stairs, laughing and joking (as per usual) as Irene and Tim waved us down the stairs, with Andrew leading the way, holding the eggs aloft. He tripped and fell down the rest of the stairs while the eggs smashed and splattered around him. Tim got him back upstairs and sat him in a chair. Andrew shares a lot of Irene's wit and humour and he started to make the most awful faces at us, while Mary and I laughed and begged him to stop because it wasn't really funny. In a flash, Irene was dragging him to the floor and shouting to Tim to help her to turn him on his side.He had stopped breathing and Irene had her fist in his mouth. She was trying the pull his tongue back from blocking his throat and lungs - which wasn't easy as his teeth were clamped firmly over his hand. She then gave him mouth to mouth resuscitation and then pumping his chest. This seemed to take forever, but apparently you can last for only 3 minutes before being pronounced brain dead. Andrew started to breathe again, we got him to Montreal General Hospital very quickly where he was pronounced to have no damage and to be a very lucky man. I,m sue that any of you reading this would find it hard to believe this side of our lovely, warm, cuddly, hugging , funny Irene, but her serious side is quite awe inspiring. Mary has touched on her cultural attributes and I'd love to relate another tale showing yet another little known Irene. There are many untold stories about Irene's unique make-up which few have heard of because she is only too apt to pooh-pooh any sign of a compliment and has never been known to blow her own trumpet. But then, let's not forget that she's had her (almost) equally special and fantastic darling Tim always at her side.
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Heather Reed Posted Jan 8, 2021 at 8:53 AM
This is so wonderful,Catherine,she often spoke of you,and Andrew,with such Love......so much,of what you said resonates with my truth,I too could share many beautiful stories with you bot,,,,I knew from the beginning,tha Tim and Irene,were beyond special,,,,possibly,even from the Angelic realms,,,,,,,,she touched our lives soooo deeply,with her Magic,,,,,,,BLESSED❣️Hezzie.
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Starr lowther posted a condolence
Thursday, January 7, 2021
My condolences Tim
I had the privilege and pleasure of spending an all to short time with Irene.
I enjoyed her company and you both made me feel like i was coming home,not to work.
The love and support of her friends an family is a testament to the wonderful person we have lost.
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Mary and Rick Hancox posted a condolence
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Tim,
Irene was such a wonderful caring woman, full of fun and good humour. She was such a joy to be around. The last few years have been challenging, but you both faced it with a positive outlook. We will always have fond memories of our time together in Hamburg and our other times together. May she Rest In Peace.
Mary and Rick
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Ann Davies posted a condolence
Thursday, January 7, 2021
From Ann (Harkness) Davies. (Neice)
One of the many great memories I have is of a holiday my sister Christine and I took to Montreal to see Auntie Irene and Uncle Tim in 1983. They took us on fabulous trips to Niagara Falls and to Maine as well as exploring Montreal. We had lots of laughs, met many of their friends, plenty of encouraging chats and lots of fun together. Auntie Irene and Uncle Tim were kind and generous to a fault, made us feel like a million dollars and off we went back home feeling like a pair of French Canadian fashionistas. (My mum Rita heaved a sigh of relief that we actually came back!)
This is an excerpt from John O’Donoghue’s, On the Death of the Beloved.
The sound of your voice
Found for us
A new music
That brightened everything
Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
Quickened in the joy of its being;
You placed smiles like flowers
On the altar of the heart.
Your mind always sparkled
With wonder at things
Rest in peace dear Auntie Irene.
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The McIntyres uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 7, 2021
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Whilst we didn’t see too much of Auntie Irene as she was over in Canada, we loved it when she came to visit us in Yorkshire when we were children, along with Uncle Tim, filling the house with lots of laughter. In turn, we were very much welcomed when we went to visit them in Halifax, Nova Scotia (a bit more glamorous than the Yorkshire one), where we were thoroughly spoilt and enjoyed getting to know our fabulous Auntie Irene and Uncle Tim. Lots of love, the McIntyres xx
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The McIntyres uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 7, 2021
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Whilst we didn’t see too much of Auntie Irene as she was over in Canada, we loved it when she came to visit us in Yorkshire when we were children, along with Uncle Tim, filling the house with lots of laughter. In turn, we were very much welcomed when we went to visit them in Halifax, Nova Scotia (a bit more glamorous than the Yorkshire one), where we were thoroughly spoilt and enjoyed getting to know our fabulous Auntie Irene and Uncle Tim. Lots of love, the McIntyres xx
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Irene's brothers and sisters ( by Anne) posted a condolence
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Our dear sister Irene was a loving, warm, and fun loving sister. Irene was the second oldest in a family of nine siblings and we have many happy memories of family life with our Mum and Dad. Irene and our older sister Rita were often dragooned by Mum to take care of their younger siblings (Not sure if this was done willingly!) We will all remember the wonderful adventures we had with Irene whether it was going to Parklea beach for picnics, or going to the cinema, with the very best treat of all having sweets and fizzy drinks. I know Rita and my two older brothers Andrew and Billy also would have many fond memories of their time with Irene as they all shared a keen sense of humour. We were very lucky to have such a happy family life! Irene will always have our love and a very special place in the hearts of all her brothers and sisters. Tim and Irene were indeed a marriage made in heaven and we would all like to thank Tim for being such a loving and considerate husband, and for the loving kindness and care he gave to Irene, not only when she was ill, but all through their married life. Rest in peace Irene.
All our love always, Rita, Andrew, Billy {R.I.P.), Mary, Jean, Anne, John and Robert.
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Jordan Reed posted a condolence
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Auntie Irene, your warm and loving spirit, and hilarious charm will always remain in my heart. Thank you for holding me when I was brand new, for being so exciting to visit with growing up, and thank you for your support of my home birth. I hold your stories and wisdom close to my heart. Love Jordan
Christine Harkness Reilly posted a condolence
Thursday, January 7, 2021
On behalf of my mother Rita, older sister of Irene, my father Eddie, myself and my siblings, I would like to express our sympathy and condolences to uncle Tim on the loss of our dear aunt Irene. She will be sadly missed by all of us.
Also remembering here Irene's younger brother who shared her wonderful sense of humour and joie de vivre, our dear uncle Billy.
Requiescant in pace.
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Mary Picton uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
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My wonderful big sister Irene was like a second mum for me growing up and beyond. When I first moved down to London to work in the civil service our weekly calls were my solace, and when I went off to travel in Canada, it was Irene who was despatched to get me back! We were always involved in each other’s lives a great deal, sharing a flat in Montreal and having great fun – she was the first to meet my future husband, Tony, and of course, ended up meeting and marrying Tim and staying in Canada herself.
Irene was always there for support whenever I had a new baby (one of the photos is us with my first child, Thomas) and she and Tim carried on co-parenting even when we went back to the UK, taking the children on holidays and giving us all of her time in a way that meant so much. And this was alongside her many other interests, talents and professions which took her (for example) from being a highly respected Matron to IBM to fundraising for Philharmonic orchestras in Berlin and Saint John. I wish she was still here to talk to now and we all miss her so very much. Our condolences to Tim, her husband of many happy years.
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Trish posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
On behalf of the staff and volunteers of the Arthritis Society, we were very sorry to hear of Irene’s passing and we send our deepest condolences to her family and friends during these difficult days. Our hearts and prayers are with you. We express our gratitude to be named as a recipient of gifts in Irene’s memory to help carry on her legacy in support of Canadians living with arthritis.
With sympathies,
Trish Barbato, President & CEO of the Arthritis Society
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Wendy Rootes posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Irene possessed such a lovely combination of a sharp wit, humour, compassion and wisdom. I will never forget her comment when she was over in Englandcfor Tim's mother's funeral and we were talking about my increasingly troubling health issues and the demands of full time teaching. I can hear now her beautiful, lilting voice and direct look at John and I, " Well my dears, you need to resign now, sell up and move to Frome". Frome, in Somerset, was where our daughter and family lived and moving there was something we had thought of of for many years hence but definitely not so soon. Retiring and moving to the other side of the country was an almost unthinkable change of direction at the age of 55. She was totally right though in her ability to read a situation and know what was needed. Within a few months I had given in my notice, and within 9 months we were living in Frome! We have lived here for 12 years now, our other two daughters have moved here also, and we are surrounded by 6 lovely grandchildren. It was the best thing we could ever have done.
Thank you dear Irene!!
T
Tom and Louise Cremona and Rich and Kaylynn uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
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God so blessed me/us with meeting Irene and Tim over 24 years ago in Yorktown, VA. She became my "adopted Mama". Such great memories we all shared together with parties at one another's home, all they did when I was a single mom with Rich to help raise him, great visits to Halifax and St. John, meeting many of their amazing family and friends, and sharing our faith. We shared laughter and tears, as well as lots of phone calls. I will miss her hugs, love, laughter, and support. Loves, hugs, and prayers to all who knew her! Tom&Louise Cremona and Rich&Kaylynn Lamarre
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Tom and Louise Cremona and Rich and Kaylynn uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
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Heather zTerry Reed posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Dear Irene,thank you for Blessing All of our lives,with your Love,and great Humour! You and Tim,had the best soirées ever,always an eclectic group,who loved you both like the families,you missed across the pond.....You waved your Magic Wand of Love and Humour,and we were smittened for Life❣️We all quite adored You......and will miss your amazing presence,in our lives,,,,Loved You Beyond,,,,,Hezzie( Heather) and Terry.Reed ❤️
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Mary Picton uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
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We already greatly miss our wonderful and unique Auntie Irene, her fabulous sense of fun, her abundant life wisdom and ability to break into song under even the most trying of circumstances! Fluent in Glaswegian, English and her particular brand of French, Auntie Irene was a talented pianist, stylist and all-round entertainer. She generously allowed us to join her on holidays in a number of glamourous locations and helped start our careers by encouraging her workplace to take us on as ‘interns’. We are sure she will be teaching the angels how to do her famous ‘wintry’ smile as we speak. As my sister Catherine says, “There can never be anyone like Auntie Irene and we were lucky to have her”.
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The family of Irene Rootes uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
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