Irene Sylvia Desrosiers

She was born in Somerset, Massachusetts and was the daughter of the late Alfonse Sylvia and Exhilda Guilmette Sylvia. Irene is predeceased by her husband, Aime Joseph Desrosiers and her daughter, Diane Desrosiers Adams.

Irene lived a long and productive life. She was born during the great depression as she and her family endured harsh economic times. While in high school, she worked after classes, at a factory making submarine parts supporting the war effort during WWII and she waited over three years for the return of the love of her life. He had served in the United States Navy in the Pacific theater. They married and started a family.

They moved from Massachusetts to Florida looking for a better quality of life and she flourished. She became a school cafeteria manager and worked for the Broward County School District for over 25 years. She took after her father by having a green thumb. The family would joke that if she planted a toothpick, it would turn green and begin producing leaves in no time at all. One of her favorite pastimes was browsing through photos of her ever growing family, especially the newest members.

After the untimely passing of her husband, she traveled with groups from her church to many Countries in Europe and finally to the destination of her dreams, the Holy Land. She had many friends who enjoyed eating out and especially discovering new restaurants. However, there were two things that were more important to her than anything, her family and her faith. She was a devout Catholic and her faith never wavered. She believed in actually living the teachings of her faith every single day and treated everyone she met with kindness and respect. She loved her family unconditionally and was always available when they needed her. She was and remains irreplaceable and will always occupy a very special place in their hearts.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Jeanne D. DeRusha and her husband, Emmett, of Chesapeake; her grandchildren, Jonathan DeRusha, Michele DeRusha Morris, David Adams and Michael Adams; seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Irene’s Life will be held December 17, 2024, 10:00 am at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach.

Memorial Contributions can be made to: The American Cancer Society.