Irene R. Hebert, 85

With heavy hearts, the family of Irene R. Hebert announces her passing. Irene was welcomed into heaven Feb. 12, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love and laughter. Irene was a genuine person and had a beautiful soul, with her family being her biggest joy. She will be remembered for her quick wit, her sense of humor, homemade pasties and her ability to write amazingly funny and accurate poetry.

Irene was born to Emma and Amede Lauzon in Edam, Saskatchewan, on Aug. 7, 1938. Her family later moved to Whitefish, Mont., where she attended Whitefish High School. After high school, she attended Kinman Business School in Spokane, Wash., and eventually moved to Wallace, Idaho, where she met John “Bill” Hebert in December 1958 on a blind date. In six months, they were married. Five years later, they had four children and established a home in Mullan, Idaho, that they would live in for the next 62 years.

Irene was active in Mullan’s St. Michaels Catholic Church, Jaycees, Woman’s Bowling League and a member of the Silver Valley Sweet Adelines. She and seven other women formed “The Pinochle Club,” a well-known club among the locals that met once a month. Strong bonds and friendships were formed as the same eight women rotated between homes to play cards, share a drink and many laughs. This tradition continued for more than 50 years.

Irene managed the Mullan Pavilion swimming pool for a number of years. She put together the first Mullan Swim Team to participate in swim meets between Wallace and Kellogg. Win or lose, after the meets she bought the team ice cream cones from Ruby’s Grill. She later accepted a position as a Shoshone County clerk at the Wallace Courthouse, eventually retiring from the Child Support Division. After retirement, Irene kept herself busy by returning to work part time as a Shoshone County Court bailiff, and spent many weekends camping and fishing on the St. Joe River and North Fork River, creating cherished memories with her family and grandchildren.

In May 2023, Bill and Irene moved to Spokane to an assisted living facility. With her quick wit, Irene was very popular among the staff and residents. She participated in the community fun and games, as well as formed new friendships. Irene thoroughly enjoyed being spoiled at her new apartment, where she was not responsible for any more cooking, cleaning or laundry.

Irene is survived by her loving husband of almost 65 years, Bill Hebert; one brother, Roland “Ron” Lauzon; and her children, Chereen (James) Hoffmann, Teresa Ueland, Lisa (Dan) Adam and John “Jay” Hebert. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Amede and Emma Lauzon; and three sisters, Lillianne Hess, Theresa “Terri” Rambur and Juelie Lauzon.

Irene was a pillar of strength for her family providing unwavering support and guidance and had a huge heart with so much love to give. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. Irene’s family would like to request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to honor her memory be sent to Friends of Mullan Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 422, Mullan, ID 83846.

A special thanks to Avista Senior Living, Spokane; Hospice House of Spokane and Shoshone Funeral Services for all the love, kindness and care provided to Irene and her family. Celebration of life plans will be made at a later date.

Memories of Irene and messages of condolence may be shared with her family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is honored to assist the Hebert family with arrangements.