Mary Irene Perrin

Perrin, Mary Irene (Irene) – 96, died 13 June 2011 in Halifax, NS. Born in Bathurst, New Brunswick in 1914, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Rachel (Breadeau) Doyle. Irene left her home in Bathurst, NB at the tender age of 14 & speaking only French moved to Halifax to work for the Sisters of Charity at Mount Saint Vincent. When they discovered that she was only 14 the sisters were going to send her home. Her cousin Clara convinced the sisters that Irene wanted to eventually become a nun so they let her stay. Irene never did become a nun. She left Mount Saint Vincent and eventually met her husband Bill. Together they raised three of their five children in wartime Halifax. Irene devoted her life to the loving care of her special needs daughter Jackie. Irene and Jackie lived in their own home until Irene was 94. Irene is survived by her children William (Eleanor), Fredericton, NB, Juanita Flynn, Halifax, Joan Theriault, Medicine Hat, AB, Jacqueline, Halifax and Paul (Barbe), Dartmouth; her sister Mary Catherine McDonnell (Charles). She is also survived by nine grandchildren, many great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband William James; her sister Mary Jane (Jean) Gammon, her brothers Joseph James, Joseph Wilfred, Joseph Francis and Joseph Anthony and son-in-laws Patrick Flynn and Rheal Theriault. No visitation or flowers by request. A memorial mass will be held at Blessed Mother Teresa church (formerly St Stephen’s Catholic Church), Halifax on Friday 17 June 2011 at 2:00 PM. Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville at a later date following cremation. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or L’Arche Halifax (www.larchehalifax.org). Irene will be loved and missed by all who knew her.

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