Irene was born in Nain, Labrador, on August 26, 1937 to David and Louise Massie. She was one of 11 siblings and the oldest of only two girls in a house full of boys. Irene left Labrador, encouraged by her Dad to go, and found a job, friends, and eventually her beloved Marty. They were married in Buffalo, NY on February 4, 1961.They eventually made their way to West Palm Beach, Florida and called it their forever home.

 

In 1970, Irene and Marty welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Martin "Timothy", into their family. Irene made sure that Tim knew where his Labrador roots came from and she brought him “home” to Labrador as often as she could. They may have lived far away but they travelled to Labrador so much that their Labrador family knew them equally as well as the family that lived there all year. 

 

Tim and Irene loved Labrador. They loved the fishing, camping and traveling around to all the beautiful scenic areas that Labrador provided. Having brothers who were pilots was definitely a bonus! Irene never lost her love for her first home. Her home in Florida is filled with all the souvenirs and artifacts that she collected during her many visits to be with her Massie family. 

 

Irene was always strong willed, fiercely independent, and did not bow to stereotypes regarding what she should and should not do as a “girl”. She was a self-proclaimed tomboy growing up, loved to jump ice pans and row about in the small boats and the like. A story she recently related to her brother Rick involved another fellow who was bullying her younger brothers, Don and Lloyd. They came home one day crying after being bullied so she went and found this particular fellow and beat him up for picking on her brothers. They were never bothered again. At the young age of 84, Irene was still driving herself around in her own car and living on her own in the family home she had shared with Marty and Tim, 60+ years later. 

 

Irene loved her family. Living so far away she made sure to bring Tim to Canada as often as possible to make sure he knew his family there. And her home opened up so many times to all the members of the family who in turn visited her. 

 

You could hear the love, and the pride, she felt for her two grandchildren, Riley and Meagan, anytime you spoke to her. And if you walk around her home you can see it. She did not like clutter, but her home was filled with the love she had for her family. Tim and Marty’s photos are everywhere as well as other beloved family photos of her parents, siblings and the extended families of them all. And there are the photos and mementos, certificates and drawing and paintings that displayed her pride and love for Riley and Meagan. 

 

Irene’s strength and independence remained right up until she finally said good bye. She left on her terms. When she became ill she decided that she had lived a long and very happy life and did not want to linger and suffer. She had herself admitted to hospice and after a short stay, took her last breath surrounded by her family.

 

Her phone calls will be missed. Her absence will leave a void that can never be filled but to all of us who knew her and loved her, and were loved by her, we will be eternally grateful that we were blessed enough to have her in our lives. She didn’t want a funeral, she said they were too sad. So in her honour we will remember her and celebrate the life force that was Irene Massie O’Mara until we meet again.