Obituary of Mrs. Irene Hoffman
Irene was called home. She passed away peacefully at age 96 with family by her side. Irene was predeceased by her husband, Oscar, her grandson, Miles, and her daughter, Doris. She leaves behind four children, Joyce (Don) Gordon, Roy (Lucie), Bob (Aiping Fu), and Doug (Barbara) Hoffman.
She is the cherished grandmother of Andrew, Philip, and Mark (Gordon), Patrick (Hoffman) and Luke McCall, Jared and Jessica (Hoffman), Robyn (Hoffman) and great grandmother to Kaeson, Kaelan and Brady.
Irene was born in 1925 in Dalton Mills, Ontario, one of five daughters of Urbain and Judith Francoeur, becoming the 11th generation of a long line of Francoeur’s, the first of whom arrived in Canada from France in 1680. She is survived by her sister, Eva Trevenna, and predeceased by her sisters Alma Mallette, Vilda Osipenko and Yvette Baker.
Throughout her life she had the opportunity to live in remote northern communities in four provinces finally settling in Toronto. She had many rich experiences in these communities which made her incredibly resourceful and resilient learning to live from the land. She was a fabulous cook of wild game and harvested from gardens and the land.
Irene brought sunshine and laughter to all those she came in contact with. Irene was a person who would do anything for anyone and would talk to everyone, living her life in service to others. She was young at heart, loved to dress with flare and pizzaz. Her strong belief in God carried her through challenges in her life and gave her the strength and character to be the best person she could be. She loved her family, and we have many wonderful memories of her and many stories to tell of her love for life.
As a volunteer she visited many people in the hospital and in their homes and brought them joy, hope and spiritual inspiration. She was a great mom, a great neighbor and a great friend.
Our family extends its sincerest appreciation to the wonderful staff at Shepherd Lodge for their support and loving care during her 15-year stay.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Vivienne Ramos for her love, care and support for Irene, to her son JB for bringing much joy to Irene and to Donna Hird for her care and support over many years.
We find comfort in God’s promise that a beautiful place is prepared for mom and that she is in his glorious presence.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will take place in the near future. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shepherd Village. She will be interred in Manitouwadge Ontario where she lived many happy years.
