Obituary of Irene Ball

Irene Ball, Deslaurier (nee Lafrance)

Jul 17, 1932 – July 8, 2026

 

Surrounded by her family, Irene passed away just days before her 94^th birthday, on July 8th, 2026.

 

Irene was the daughter of the late Sevère Lafrance and Georgina (nee Beaulieu).  She was predeceased by her brother Arthur Lafrance and sisters Rose Belair, Eva Grant-Sabourin and Lina Dagenais.

 

Mother to 4 children,  Elaine (André Lavictoire), the late Richard Deslaurier (late Laura nee Riggins), Sharon Deslaurier  and Allen Deslaurier (Angelita Guiriba).

 

Grandmother to David Lavictoire (Veronica Grantier), Sylvia Lavictoire (Douglas Ferguson) and Michael Deslaurier (Briony Collings).  Great-Grandmother to Katelyn and Chloe Lavictoire, Jemma, Kendra and Mya Ferguson, and  Step-Great-Grandmother to Rowan Abounehme.

 

Irene, at the age of 93 was a powerful example of self-determination, proving that aging does not mean losing control of your life.  Her ability to navigate living on her own, independently, accepting the necessary lifestyle adjustments and having the courage to manage her life, on her terms, served as an inspiring role model to us all.

 

She was a very generous and caring person who got great pleasure in giving.   If you admired something she owned, it was offered to you. She would not pass by a person in need without giving to them.  Even when travelling she would ask us to pull the vehicle over so she could get out to them.  She would tell us to always try and make someones day a brighter one,  to which she derived true satisfaction from doing so.

 

Irene was also quite renowned for her ability to gab.  Especially on the telephone, you did not call her for a short conversation, but always allowed yourself plenty of time to chit chat.  She will be incredibly missed.

 

Grateful thanks to the many staff of her Health Care Team, for years of excellent, compassionate care.  Their dedicated support allowed her to maintain her independence at home.  A very special thank you is given to Dr Lindsay Hamilton, her palliative care doctor for over 5 years, who became her friend.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held in Irene’s honour at a later date yet to be determined.