Mrs. Irene R. Lefebvre

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Irene (Roy) Lefebvre, 91, of Fort Meade, FL. Irene passed away on March 29, 2019, following a sudden illness. She was surrounded by family in her final days, as she was throughout her long life.

Born June 28, 1927, Irene lived most of her life in Somersworth, NH. She was a fixture at The Poultry Shop where she made chicken pies, kept your coffee warm, and listened to your stories. She showed love through food. Her “Garbage Soup” was a family favorite, though never the same twice, and her chicken salad was revered. She confessed she didn’t like her own chicken salad, but even so there was never a family event without it. She loved feeding people - whoever you were, whatever your burden, you could put your worries at her threshold and find a seat at her table. She enjoyed getting together with her prayer group, the “Holy Rollers” as she affectionately called them, and if she heard about your struggle, you were automatically on her prayer list.

In 2004, Irene made her home in Ft. Meade, FL with her second husband Charlie where family from all over visited her often. Irene kept her mind sharp by knitting, doing puzzles, teasing her many grand and great-grandchildren, and teaching them complex card games. She was a kidder and a trickster, but the most terrible liar ever. She is deeply missed.

Irene is predeceased by her husband Charles Lefebvre, her first husband Bertrand Roy and their sons Daniel and Michael Roy, her parents Cleophus and Esther (Brideau) Metivier, her brothers John and Daniel, Sr., and her sisters Theresa and Marjorie.

Irene is survived by her sister, and friend, Claire Clutts of Fort Meade, FL, son Gerard Roy and wife Kathy of Bartow, FL, daughter Kathryn Booska and husband Raymond of Colebrook, NH, daughter Susan Roy-Bailie and husband Wayne of Berwick, ME, and daughter Doreen Cole and husband Jim of Somersworth, NH. Irene was like a mother to two of her nieces Mona DeMerritt of San Diego, CA and Jeanette Kearnes of Milton, NH. She is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, all who have special memories of her.

Irene’s love lives on through her grandchildren Christopher Roy of Berwick, ME, Michael Roy of Somersworth, NH, Lisa Hallworth of Manakin Sabot, VA, Becky Gramling of Fort Meade, FL, Timothy Fredette of Lutz, FL, Amanda Boissonnault of Strafford, NH, Thomas Fredette of Edinburg, TX, Michelle Fredette-Chapman of Rochester, NH, Danielle Nelson of Portland, ME, Ellen Nelson of Kennebunk, ME, Seth Roy of North Andover, MA, Keith Roy of Brunswick, ME, Katie Roy of Somersworth, NH, and honorary grandchild, Karen Keys of Shreveport, LA.

The joy in Irene’s final years was brought by her 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom visited her in Florida as often as possible and greatly anticipated her summer visits to New England. Irene was tickled with delight to learn she would become a great-great-grandmother this summer.

Visiting hours are Monday April 29th, from 5-8PM, at Roberge Funeral Home in Somersworth. Funeral mass will be at St. Martin’s Church on April 30th at 11AM with internment following at Mt Calvary Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Elks Lodge in Rochester, NH. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that charitable donations be made in her honor to Riverside Rest Home Activity Department in Dover, NH where she volunteered for many years, or the Rohr Home Activity Department in Bartow, FL where her husband Charlie spent his final days.