Irene de Roche, staff worker of Madonna
House, died suddenly on August 27, 2019 at
St. Joseph House, Madonna House
Apostolate, Combermere.
Irene, daughter of Eddie de Roche and
Rosalind Ackie-Simon was born in
Carriacou, Grenada, West Indies. She
attended Hillsborough Government
School in Carriacou, Grenada, and came
in contact with Madonna House there,
helping in their handicraft cooperative for a
number of years before asking to become a
member of the Apostolate.
Her time of formation was in Carriacou and she made her first
promises to the Community on 15 August 1972.
She continued to serve in Carriacou until that house was closed
in 1980, and then served at the house in Verdun, Barbados
until she was transferred to St. Joseph House in Combermere in
1981. A year later she was asked to be part of the team opening
Madonna House in Toronto where she served over a period of 35
years, returning to St. Joseph House, Combermere two years ago.
Irene was predeceased by her parents and her brother, John.
Wake services for Irene will be held from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. and
7-9 p.m. on Friday, September 6 at St. Mary’s Chapel, Madonna
House. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday,
September 7, 11 am at St. Mary’s Chapel with internment at the
Madonna House cemetery. A reception will follow.
The members of Madonna House, and particularly St. Joseph
House, are deeply grateful for the overwhelming expressions of
love and support from many friends throughout the Valley.