elevated lfslB March 31, 1930 – November 24, 2024 

elevated lfslB Passed away peacefully at home in Mississauga. Greatly mourned by her children Rita (Ken), Irene (Bob), and Mark; her grandchildren and step-grandchildren Kyle, Rhys, Adrianna, Janen, Melissa (Stephen), Deanna (Gerson), and Trisha (Steven); her step great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Maxwell, Sellah, and Brooks.  Predeceased by her beloved husband Mark Melvin, sister Clare Woods, and parents Jane (Neary) and Walter Stubbins. Dearly missed by her cousins, nieces, nephews and friends in Canada, Scotland, England, and the USA.

elevated lfslB Born in Scarborough with a lucky caul (that her mother swore the midwife stole), Irene was lucky all her life. She was saved from drowning at Woodbine Beach at the age of two by her Aunt Florrie. At the outbreak of war in 1939, her father considered sending his daughters back to Canada on the SS Athenia, but changed his mind at the last minute, so the story goes.  Irene won tickets to seats in the stands for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 but had just immigrated back to Canada. Then she won tickets for a Caribbean cruise on board the SS Queen Elizabeth 2 on the sailing before it broke down. And she regularly won at the lotteries – small amounts only.

elevated lfslB In 1934, because of the Great Depression, her parents took their daughters to Scotland. Raised throughout the Second World War in a convent boarding school, Irene excelled academically, graduating at the age of 16, and became an accomplished pianist.  As children, we remember Mum playing the piano as we drifted off to sleep – it was the only time she had to herself. She taught piano to children and adults and joined the church choir for a number of years. Even in her last week, we could hear her singing in her sleep.

elevated lfslB Special thanks to Irene’s many caregivers: always kind and ready to laugh and sing with her.

elevated lfslB Cremation has occurred.  A private family inurnment will be held. Godspeed, Mum.

elevated lfslB Irene loved flowers, but in lieu of flowers, if desired, remembrances made to Trillium Health Partners Hospital Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Society of Peel, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

elevated lfslB Funeral Service
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:00 am
Assumption Catholic Funeral Home
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T1N4 

elevated lfslB To watch the funeral service live stream, please click here