In Loving Memory
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Irene Robirtis. On May 29, 2026, at the age of 81, Irene slipped away peacefully, leaving behind a world made brighter by her presence.
Born in Rotterdam on October 7, 1944, Irene carried the resilient spirit of her beginnings throughout a life profoundly dedicated to others. For over two decades, she served as a beacon of hope in social services, touching countless lives with a rare, quiet compassion. She didn’t just work to help people; she listened with her heart, offering kindness that felt like a warm embrace to those who needed it most.
To know Irene was to know the beauty of a garden in full bloom. She found her greatest joy among her flowers, with a special place in her heart reserved for the yellow rose—a fitting symbol of the radiant optimism and warmth she shared so freely with everyone she met.
She had a magical way of turning a simple meal into a celebration of love. Whether you were family or a friend, her table was a place of belonging. Every dish she prepared was seasoned with care, and her home was always filled with the comforting aroma of her cooking and the sound of shared laughter.
Irene’s spirit was as boundless as the sea she so loved. Whether walking along the shoreline with her loyal canine companions by her side or breathing in the salt air, she found a deep, soulful connection to the beauty of the natural world. This same heart for service led her into retirement, where she poured her remaining energy into the Oak Bay Volunteer and Emergency Services, tirelessly strengthening the community she called home.
Above all else, Irene was the heartbeat of our family. She is survived by her devoted partner her three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, as well as her sister, brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. While our lives feel quieter without her, the echoes of her generosity, her unwavering resilience, and her fierce, steady love remain with us, woven into the very fabric of who we are.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be deeply honoured by donations made to the David Suzuki Foundation, continuing Irene’s lifelong commitment to preserving the beauty of the world she so cherished.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens
This obituary is the property of the “Robirtis” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Melinda mcgregor
My deepest sympathies to you all, beautiful words for your mother , Grand Mother thinking of the family during this difficult time may she rest in peace ❤️