Hetherington, Irene

January 12, 1932 ~ October 10, 2025

IMG 1076Hetherington, Irene Myrtle-It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Irene Hetherington (nee Broad). Irene has gone to be with her lord and saviour on Friday, October 10 2025, at Riverview Gardens, Chatham at the age of 93. Predeceased by her loving husband Charlie (1996). Loving mother of Mary Lou (the late John Miller), Ruth (Tom) Burgess and Gordon (Renee) Hetherington. Dear grandmother of Mathew (Laura), Michael (Ashley), Tammy, Jeff (Katey), Adam (Allie), Ciara (David) and Daniel. Loving great grandmother of John, George, Jaelyn, Jaida, Brooklyn, Jemma, and the late Nevaeh, Mabel and Logan. Sister to Gilbert (Nancy) Broad. Predeceased by Melvin (Sandy), Pearl (the late Ken) and Don (Barb). Irene’s greatest joy came with the arrival of her 3 children. Her life was defined by kindness, faith, laughter and an unwavering devotion to her family and friends. An avid reader with a soft spot for historical romance novels. Irene cherished quiet moments with a good book almost as much as she loved the lively sound of conversation and laughter around her. Irene attended Toronto Bible College, her faith guided her throughout her life and inspired her gentle spirit. Irene was a member to the “Church on the River” Lambton Baptist Church for many years. Irene worked as a telephone operator for the Village of Sombra, in the kitchen at Wallaceburg hospital and later devoted herself to caring for others as a homecare provider. She also volunteered as a driver for meals on wheels extending her compassion beyond her own family the community she loved. Having grown up and living most of her life on the farm, Irene carried a deep appreciation for the land, simple joys and hard work. A devoted correspondent, Irene never missed sending a holiday or birthday card, always including a handwritten note filed with encouragement, wit and wisdom. Her thoughtful words were treasured by many. She was also a spirited game player, competitive at skip-bo and scrabble. She was always up for a laugh. She shared a special bond with her sister Pearl, the 2 spoke on the phone daily, shared countless laughs and loved playing games together. Their connection was one of joy, friendship and unconditional love. Her laughter was infectious, her faith steadfast and sense of style unmatched, a true fashionista in every sense. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Irene was a role model of grace, strength and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her

Funeral Details
Family and friends are invited to a visitation and funeral service on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 10-11am at Steadman Brothers Funeral home, a funeral service will follow.

Donations
Sympathy can be expressed through donations to Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca/)

 

 

Share this obituary:


Enter your Condolence below

 


Condolences (16)

  1. My condolences go out to your family, I still keep looking for her playing cards in the nook, every night
    , she will be missed
    Alleighsha Gauthier, n Humpfrey (bear)

  2. My deepest sympathy to Irene’s family. Irene was a sweet and kind friend. With a deep and steadfast faith she took great interest in others and was so diligent in remembering birthdays and anniversaries. Irene loved God’s creation and the beauty of flowers. You guys are in my thought & prayers. I will see her again.

  3. Sorry to hear of Irene passing.She was a pleasure to talk to at church and never forgot anyone’s birthday. Rest in peace and remember many memories 🙏.

  4. My sincere condolences to Pearl and family on the passing of Irene. She was a very sweet lady that I have known for several years.

  5. Irene was a very friendly and happy lady always willing to lend a hand. I meet her through Bob and Jane Taylor and she bought cards from my mom .My parents live on the other side of 40 on the Wilkesport line. The Lord knows knows your pain you feel the grief you carry the tears you cry the memories you cherish the comfort you need the strength you require thinking and praying that the tender ministry of the Lord will comfort you Deepest sympathies thoughts and prayers during this difficult time

    Sara(nee Vandertil) and Jeff Karr and Family

  6. Irene was gentle soul who loved everyone. She will be missed by many. RIP Irene. You have arrived into the arms of Jesus.

  7. Irene was such a kind and gentle soul, always positive and bubbly. When I was a child, her and Charlie and their girls would visit and play cards at our place in Wilkesport. Lots of laughs and good memories. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with her when she was a resident of Levante Rest Home in Wallaceburg where my Grandmother was also residing. Not surprisingly, she was still the same sweet lady I remembered as a child. To her family, please accept my heartfelt condolences for your great loss. She was a one of a kind treasure! Sincerely, Valerie Lumley Stairs.

  8. Gilbert and Nancy
    We are former neighbours from the Fairway Towers. We’re very sorry for your loss of your sister. Our condolences.

  9. Sending our heartfelt sympathies to the entire family. May it comfort you to use all your cherished memories at this difficult time.

    Marilyn Ritchie (McGee)

  10. She was a friend of my mom. They talked on the phone or when their paths crossed while we were out shopping. She always had a smile. So sorry for your loss

  11. So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I always loved visiting with her when ever I crossed paths with her, although it’s been awhile. Deepest sympathy to the Herrington family.

  12. Mom,
    No words can express the sorrow we are all feeling. You were always here for us, to lend a helping hand, to talk to when we needed to talk, to reminisce, for whatever reason you were always here. You always had my back. You finally have your wings. No more pain, no more suffering, no more anything bad, you are finally free. You will be great missed and always loved and appreciated. Have a dance with Dad and say hello to him. Say hello to those whom have gone before us. Till we meet again. All our love always & forever