Irma Irving

Irma Irving of Perth-Andover, NB, passed away peacefully at the Victoria Glen Manor on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Irma Elizabeth LaFrance Irving, born December 10th 1923 in Lerwick N.B. She was the eldest daughter of Thomas Nelson La France and Susan Ann Hartgrove. She was the eldest of six children. James La France (Berneice) Tilley, both deceased, a stillborn baby Ellen, Juanita Branca of Detroit Michigan, deceased, Leila (who died at age 5), and Lawrence aka Larry MacLean of Halifax N.S, deceased, and one step-brother, Eldon La France of Fredericton, also deceased.

Irma’s mother, Susan died in childbirth at age 34 when Larry was born on May 10th 1934 when she was 11. Two of her siblings were then adopted out to and Aunt. That left her and James alone with their dad, Tom. Who in turn left Tilley for greener pastures in Fredericton area. Irma and James were taken along but soon returned to Tilley to live with their grandfather Nelson LaFrance.

Irma went to work as a Nannie to Henry and Lenna McAllister. Who had several children and was expecting another. Irma did many different jobs during the early years to make ends meet. Waitress, short order cook, chamber maid, and also worked in a cotton mill in Marysville N.B. Later on, she moved to Ontario and worked in restaurants there and as a cleaning lady. Soon after she met the love of her life, Alonzo Peter Irving of Murray Harbour, PEI. He was stationed nearby with the INCO copper smelter plant in Copper Cliff near Sudbury Ontario.

Not long after Al got sick with MS and was no longer able to work and they had to give up their place and move to a cabin in the woods near Naraka Lake. There once Al was no longer able to help with chores, Irma did it all. Fished and snared rabbits in winter and summer, and grew a garden for vegetables. Walking to the nearest train station to go into Sudbury for supplies once a month.

Irma and Al moved back to Tilley N.B in 1963. She and her uncle built a house for her and Al to live in in 1964. Irma was the sole caregiver for her husband Al who later also became sick with lung cancer and died in 1976. Irma remained in their home until she was 80 then decided to sell and move to Grand Falls for convenience of shopping and easier to go for walks in the winter time. Soon after she suffered a stroke and became unable to walk and was in a wheelchair herself. She remained in her own home until 2012. From then on, she has been a lovely resident of Victoria Glen Manor, Perth-Andover, NB.

For all who had the pleasure of knowing her, she was a source or unconditional love and support. She leaves behind a son John Dunning of Red Deer Alberta; one granddaughter, Cindy Serhan, Fort Fraser BC; and one grandson Brian Dunning of BC; and many nieces and nephews in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Michigan.

Respecting Irma's wishes, there will be no formal visitation or funeral service held. A private graveside service will be held in the Lerwick Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover, NB.