IRENE MARY HOULE

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Irene Mary Houle, who passed away peacefully with family by her side on August 28, 2025, at Grace Hospice in Winnipeg.

She leaves to mourn her children: Noreen (Ivan), Ronnie, Maxine (Alec), Jeffrey, Kimberly (Stephen), and Sonya. Along with her children, Mom leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her brother-in-law, William Ducharme.

She was predeceased by her husband, Tony; her parents, Abraham and Nora (Marcette) Houle; brothers Roy (Helen Kakewash), Emile (Victoria), Clarence, and Nelson; sisters Elsie (Percy) and Alice; her special nephew, Ivan Kakewash; and many other cherished family members who welcomed her home with open arms. As the last of her parents’ seven children, she was the last surviving member of her generation, closing a cherished chapter in our family’s history.

Mom was born on August 26, 1938, in Ste. Rose du Lac and grew up in Ebb and Flow First Nation before moving to Winnipeg.

Mom enjoyed working as a seamstress. Throughout her career, she worked for many companies, made lasting friendships, and gained valuable knowledge in sewing, including the craft of making tents and awnings out of canvas. She also enjoyed using her own equipment at home, where her skills came to life.

After retirement, she continued with smaller projects such as making star blankets, doing zipper repairs, and completing alterations. She often shared her sewing skills and designs with family, teaching and passing down her knowledge with care.

Though she once joked about having too much free time, she soon adjusted and created a fulfilling retired life, devoting herself to her home and family, which were the source of her greatest pride.

She will be remembered for her generosity, her strong moral values, and the way she cared for others without hesitation. She also loved cooking for her family, planting flowers, listening to music, and going to bingo, finding joy in life’s simple moments.

She was our matriarch, our teacher, and our strength. She deeply loved all of her grandchildren, with special mention to Michelle, Andrew, and Braiden, and her great-grandchild Carmen, who held a very special place in her heart. She also shared a close bond with her nephew, Kelvin Thompson of Vancouver, and her best friend, Jane Baptiste Daniels. She showed us what it meant to love deeply, to live with respect, and to always work hard and never give up.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Boniface Hospital, where Mom received care before her transfer to Grace Hospice, where she spent her final days in peace, surrounded by care and love. We are deeply grateful to all who supported her, and to family, friends, and community members who shared their prayers and support.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB. All of Mom’s family and friends may consider themselves honorary pallbearers. A reception will follow the viewing. Private family interment will take place in the coming days.

Though her absence leaves a void we cannot fill, we are comforted knowing she has been reunited with her loved ones who went before her. Mom’s strength, generosity, and love will live on in us forever.