Jean Irving is being remembered for her passion about her family, community and province. (Photo: J.D. Irving, Limited)
Philanthropist and Irving family matriarch Jean Irving has passed away at the age of 93.
The wife of J.D. Irving, Limited chairman James K. Irving died Tuesday at home in Rothesay, according to her obituary.
Irving was born on April 20, 1926, and grew up on the family farm in Glenvale, N.B., near Petitcodiac.
After high school, she attended the school of nursing at Chipman Memorial Hospital in St. Stephen, N.B., and became a registered nurse.
“For 69 years she was the loving wife and ‘compass’ to her husband Jim, and a wonderful mother to their four children,” her obituary read. Irving also had 14 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
One of her nephews, John K.F. Irving, recalled his aunt in a statement Tuesday, saying she was passionate about her family, community and the province.
“She tirelessly served numerous volunteer and charitable organizations and touched the lives of many, many people in New Brunswick through her generosity and support for various community and youth-orientated initiatives and programs,” he said.
“I have many fond memories of times spent with her – there always was room for another seat at the dinner table, no matter how late or last minute. I am proud to have had Jean as an aunt. I join with my family and all of our employees in expressing our deepest condolences to my uncle James K. Irving, my cousins Jim, Mary Jean, Robert, Judy and their families.”
Examples of Jean Irving’s volunteer efforts and charitable causes can be found throughout New Brunswick.
Her love of children inspired her to form the Netherwood Chapel Kids Club Foundation, which has an enrolment of up to 60 local children and sponsors over 40 children in need around the world through Compassion Canada.
She was a volunteer Red Cross nursing instructor and also sponsored a swimming program for more than 1,500 children at her summer home in Bouctouche. She also played a key role in creating Saint John’s first autism centre and the First Steps pregnancy centre for young mothers.
Irving and her husband also undertook several community projects, including the Millennium Dome Park in Saint John, Saunders Irving Chapel in Sussex, N.B., as well as the Irving Memorial Chapel, gardens and arboretum in Bouctouche, N.B.
A recipient of the Order of New Brunswick in 2013, she was also awarded many other distinctions for her dedication to community advancement, such as the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver and Gold Jubilee Medals, the Salvation Army’s Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service, Saint John Community Foundation Award, a Paul Harris Fellowship, and two honourary degrees.
“Jean will long be remembered for her love of family, her kindness and her strong commitment to her community,” said Irving Oil in a statement on Twitter.
The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce also issued a statement on Twitter, highlighting her philanthropic work in the community.
Visitation will take place Friday at the Netherwood Chapel on Maiden Lane in Rothesay, N.B., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 7 p.m.
Her funeral will be held at the Saunders Irving Chapel at Kingswood University in Sussex, N.B., at 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by a private family interment in Bouctouche.
