Lucia (Lucy) (Pellarin) Irwin

IRWIN, Lucia (Lucy)- It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Lucy Irwin on January 3, 2020 in North Bay, Ontario in her 82nd year. Predeceased by her husband Jack, parents Ines and Maggiorino (Butch) Pellarin and her sister Loretta. Devoted mother to Laura Buckle (Dave) and Lynne Bernardi (Amedeo). Adored by her grandchildren Jonathan, Meghan, Emily, Sarah and Alex. 

Lucy was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario and raised in Malartic, Quebec.  She attended nursing school at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1958 – but not without some excitement.  While at school, she and a few schoolmates managed their way into the Elvis concert at Maple Leaf Gardens staying out past their curfew and wearing their nurses’ uniforms. Lucy maintained that Elvis was well worth the scolding they received from the Sisters.

After graduation, Lucy began her nursing career at Sensenbrenner Hospital in Kapuskasing, Ontario where she met her future husband, Jack. They lived in several communities in Northern Ontario over the years with the majority of time being spent in Timmins where they raised their daughters.  Lucy worked for over 30 years as a nurse in various capacities including both hospital and homecare settings. She was a nurse and supervisor at St. Mary’s Hospital in Timmins. Lucy also worked at the Timmins Porcupine Health Unit and the Victoria Order of Nurses.  In 2008, they moved to North Bay to be with their family and enjoyed being surrounded by the grandchildren which kept them both busy and entertained.

A life-long caregiver not only in her professional but also in her personal life, Lucy selflessly tended to her family while giving back to the community. She volunteered for organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Adult Literacy and Meals on Wheels.

Lucy managed to express her artistic side through her hobbies as a talented quilter, knitter and creative painter. She remained an avid reader throughout her life regularly consuming a book per week. But her family was her priority and she always enjoyed spoiling the grandkids with treats and sleepovers. Everyone looked forward to meals at Grandma’s house.

Over the years Lucy and Jack loved travelling and visited many locations around the world. She enjoyed the company of her close friends and got together to play cards or take the occasional trip to the casino. Lucy had quite the sense of humour and the family marvelled at her collection of witty comebacks.

Lucy had a strong affection for her pets with each becoming integral members of the family - a trait she has passed on to all of us.  Her last furry companion was Lily, a lovely and shy cat she rescued and cared for.

Our family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Barclay House where Lucy resided comfortably for last 2 years. Also, our gratitude to the team at the NBRHC for the kind and compassionate care she received.

A private family service will take place at Hillside Funeral Home in North Bay. Remembrance donations in Lucy’s memory to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice, Alzheimer Society of Canada or a local Humane Society, would be greatly appreciated.