Obituary for Irene "Rene" McConnell (Gibson)
Irene (Rene) McConnell
November 23, 1931 – January 9, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister Irene (Rene) McConnell (nee Gibson) on January 9, 2023, at the age of 91. Survived by her loving husband George E. McConnell, loving mother of George (Debbie) and Kenneth (Dana), grandmother of Taylor and Ryan. Survived by brothers Alan (Susan) and Francis (N. Ireland) and sister Maureen (Canada) and predeceased by her brothers Walter, Tom and sister Myrtle.
Rene was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1931, growing up in Carnalea before moving to the village of Whiteabbey. The family then moved to a new development in Belvoir Park shortly after the arrival of her two sons before immigrating to St Catharines in April 1970.
Rene worked in “The Right House” at the Fairview Mall selling shoes until the store eventually closed its doors in the late nineties. Rene made many friends selling shoes, and her close friends would often get together for lunch at different restaurants in St Catharines. Rene was very devoted to her family and friends and phoned her brothers and sister daily. Rene will be remembered for her love, kindness and consideration for others. She was courageous in coping with kidney failure taking dialysis three times a week and dealing with the side effects of the treatment and medications. Rene would spend her time knitting baby blankets as gifts for family, friends, acquaintances including several nurses at the hospital.
Rene’s family would like to thank Dr. Nagai and the nurses at the Dialysis Centre at the St, Catharines General Hospital who cared for her for over 5 years.
Cremation has taken place as per Rene’s wishes. A celebration of life will take place at Scottlea Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 21st, 2023, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Scottlea Presbyterian Church.
November 23, 1931 – January 9, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister Irene (Rene) McConnell (nee Gibson) on January 9, 2023, at the age of 91. Survived by her loving husband George E. McConnell, loving mother of George (Debbie) and Kenneth (Dana), grandmother of Taylor and Ryan. Survived by brothers Alan (Susan) and Francis (N. Ireland) and sister Maureen (Canada) and predeceased by her brothers Walter, Tom and sister Myrtle.
Rene was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1931, growing up in Carnalea before moving to the village of Whiteabbey. The family then moved to a new development in Belvoir Park shortly after the arrival of her two sons before immigrating to St Catharines in April 1970.
Rene worked in “The Right House” at the Fairview Mall selling shoes until the store eventually closed its doors in the late nineties. Rene made many friends selling shoes, and her close friends would often get together for lunch at different restaurants in St Catharines. Rene was very devoted to her family and friends and phoned her brothers and sister daily. Rene will be remembered for her love, kindness and consideration for others. She was courageous in coping with kidney failure taking dialysis three times a week and dealing with the side effects of the treatment and medications. Rene would spend her time knitting baby blankets as gifts for family, friends, acquaintances including several nurses at the hospital.
Rene’s family would like to thank Dr. Nagai and the nurses at the Dialysis Centre at the St, Catharines General Hospital who cared for her for over 5 years.
Cremation has taken place as per Rene’s wishes. A celebration of life will take place at Scottlea Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 21st, 2023, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Scottlea Presbyterian Church.