Irene Lavallee

Irene Sylvia Marie Lavallée (nee Bleau) age 62, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday January 15, 2024.

Irene was born in Ponteix, Saskatchewan to parents Claude and Hélène Bleau and was kept in good company being the 5th of 6 children. It was during these early years that Irene developed her nurturing and patient nature.

Growing up on the Blupont Standardbred Farm Irene was introduced to her first love early on, horses. Through her love of horses, she developed her hard work ethic, caring for those who can’t care for themselves, being adaptable to the ever-changing Saskatchewan weather and a great appreciation for the farm life. Irene’s parents also instilled their passion for archery into her at a young age. Being the dedicated perfectionist that she was and with her communities’ support, Irene was invited to represent team Saskatchewan during the 1977 Canada Games in Newfoundland, where she did her province proud placing in the top 20.

Four months after graduating from Ponteix High School, Irene started her next adventure by marrying the love of her life, Marcel Lavallée on October 5, 1979. They settled on the Lavallée homestead south of Cadillac, where they raised cattle and farmed grain side by side for many wonderful years. There was no task too daunting or machinery too large for Irene to run, she did it all and she loved every minute of it.

Shortly after settling on the farm, Irene and Marcel started their family, welcoming three beautiful children - Travis, Trevor and Crystal. Being a mother came easily to Irene and she put all her love and devotion into raising her children. Irene never missed a sporting event or field trip and she was always the first to volunteer her time. Irene and Marcel enjoyed loading up the truck and taking their kids on trips, no matter where they went there was always laughter and memories to be made. 

Once Irene and Marcel became empty nesters, Irene enrolled in the CCA diploma program at Great Plains College in 2005. She was finally going to fulfill her long-time dream of entering the nursing profession. As with everything Irene did, she poured her heart and soul into her studies and never complained once about the overwhelming workload of being a full-time student and running a farm.

After graduating college in 2007, Irene began her CCA career at the Palliser in Swift Current. Due to her kind-hearted nature and attention to detail, it did not take long for Irene to win over the hearts of both the residents and her coworkers.

In 2016 Irene started working at the Meadows in house #9. Irene was one of the main contributing factors of making house #9 a home. She would use her tried and true recipes to make the residents delicious home cooked meals and was always willing to lend a helping hand to the other houses. Irene prided herself on giving thorough and compassionate care to anyone who graced house #9.

Irene and Marcel found a passion for travel later in life, always breaking up the winter with one hot holiday and in the summer you could find them by a lake in their camper. Some of the bigger trips they took were to the Caribbean, Mexico, USA, Australia and their most recent and final trip to Las Vegas to attend their daughter’s wedding.

Sadly in March 2021, Irene was diagnosed with cancer. Even though the odds were against her, she continued to live her life with grace and vitality. Irene remained very active on the farm and in her children and grandchildren’s lives.

Irene continued her courageous fight, albeit many setbacks with one prominent goal always being to return to her residents, coworkers and second home - House #9 at the Meadows.

Unfortunately she never made it back to house #9, but spent her final days at the Clover House where she received amazing care from the very people she mentored and worked alongside for so many years.

Irene is survived by her loving husband  of 44 years Marcel; Mother Hélène; Children Travis (Danielle), Trevor (Jennifer), Crystal (Alan); Grandchildren Ana, Brody, Emily, Zavis, Shanna, Chase, Shayenna, Ryker, Tadhg; Siblings Rose (Arnie), Eugene (Rhonda), Rita (Russel), Alice, Yolande and many other loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and long-time friends. Irene was predeceased by her father Claude.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the The Meadows Auxiliary (Clover House) in Swift Current.

Lemieux's Funeral Home in care of arrangements.  For further information please call 306-625-3925, or visit our website at www.lemieuxfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family on our tribute wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irene Lavallee, please visit our floral store.