06/16/2025
It is with great sadness that Pictou County lost one of the kindest members last week from a family whose legacy and businesses have impacted Pictou County and the country. We are sharing her obituary and picture with permission. Please SHOUT IRENE from the rooftops…
And especially remember her husband Gilles and son Connor💞💞💞
It is with sadness and disbelief that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend Irene Aucoin(Sobey).
Born January 24, 1970 Irene was raised in Stellarton, Pictou County by parents Donald and Beth Sobey alongside brothers Rob and Kent. Summers were spent on the beaches of Black Point and Sinclair's Island and playing tennis. In winter Irene would be found in the rinks figure skating or on the ski slopes with her family and friends.
After Irene completed her education she went on to hold various positions including those at Symphony Nova Scotia, Atlantic Shopping Centers, and Sobeys Inc. It was during this time in 1998 that Irene met and fell in love with her future husband Gilles Aucoin. A few years after settling into married life Irene's dreams came true and she, Gilles, and dog Darby welcomed their beloved Connor into their family.
Irene excelled at many things, including being the generous, caring, and kind person she was. Receiving homemade Lazy Daisies, chocolate chip cookies, or sandwiches from Irene meant I Love You! Sharing a game of crib, a pot of clams, a tray of oysters, a feed of lobster, or a bucket of Cheticamp crab meant you were welcomed with her whole heart. Irene was an east coast girl through and through.
She also excelled at assisting the community locally and abroad. Irene's legendary support for the Summer Street Scramble will live on in our hearts forever. Although she took up golf in adulthood, you'd have thought she was golfing from a young age, especially if you had the chance to witness her game on any Canada Day.
Irene loved to travel and shared many adventures with her husband and best friend of 26 years. Her favourite places have lost their best beach baby but Irene's famous tan will live on.
Irene was predeceased by her father Donald. She is survived by her mother Beth, husband Gilles, son Connor, brothers Rob (Monique), Kent (Meghan), nieces and nephews Jane (Logan), Matthew, Charlie and Josephine, parents-in-law Leonard and Elizabeth and brothers-in-law Maurice (Garry) and Marcel.
Together her family asks you to pay tribute to Irene by saying her name. Irene. Then saying it again, louder. Smile your biggest smile in her memory and guaranteed none will be as bright or beautiful as hers.
Please kindly consider a donation in Irene's memory to Summer Street Industries or the SPCA.
Arrangements are under the direction of H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home, New Glasgow. A celebration of life will be held at Summer Street Industries on Friday, June 20th, 2025 from 2pm to 5pm.
