We Remember

ROBALO, Irene Dias

May 25, 1940 — September 25, 2025

The Robalo family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend Irene Dias Robalo. Irene, at the age of 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Irene was born on May 25, 1940, in Relvas Ourondo, Portugal. She was married to Antonio Marcelino Robalo on February 4, 1961. After marriage, they wanted to create a new future and applied for their immigration papers for Canada in hopes to start a new life. While waiting for immigration status, Irene worked on her family’s farm, and welcomed their three children Isabel, Lucia and Celestino. Shortly after Celestino was born, with approved immigration papers in hand, Irene and Antonio made the difficult decision to leave their young family in Portugal in the care of Irene’s parents and immigrated to Canada in July 1967.

While in Canada, Irene and Antonio worked very hard to save enough money to be able to bring their three children to join them in Canada. Irene and Antonio were finally able to settle with their family in a home they purchased in Burnaby, BC in 1972. In December 1975, the whole family became very proud Canadians Citizens. They worked and lived in Burnaby for 23 years before retiring and moving to the Okanagan in 1995.

Irene dedicated her life to putting family first, and she had a very special bond with so many, but she was mostly proud to be a grandmother and great-grandmother. When Irene wasn’t busy with her family and friends, she greatly enjoyed watching her grandchild’s sporting events and took pride in all their achievements; as well as working in her garden; watching her Portuguese and English soap operas; cheering for her Kelowna Rockets; and watch team Portugal play soccer. Irene always enjoyed life, but she was especially happy when she was able to cook for her family and make them laugh endlessly with her many stories and jokes.

Irene is survived by her daughter Isabel, daughter Lucia (Antonio), and son Celestino (Milena); grandchildren Laura (Tim), Andrew (Tegan), Sara (Eric), Joseph (Alyssa), and Anthony (Amanda); as well as her great-grandchildren Adrien, Vincent, Ari, Brinley, Sloan, Maci, Jackson and Dallas. Irene was predeceased by her husband Antonio, sister Maria, and brother Joao.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the entire medical care team at the Kelowna General Hospital, unit 4A in the Royal building, and special gratitude to the respirology team, Dr. Brandt, Dr. Amigo and Dr. Wertler for the care and compassion they provided our beloved Irene.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kelowna General Hospital (KGH Foundation).

The family invites you to please join them in honouring Irene’s life:

The Viewing will be Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC

A Funeral Mass, with Father Shaiju, will be held on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM (PDT), at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 11123 Okanagan Centre Road East, Lake Country, BC. A reception will be held following the service. Interment will take place after the reception at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 2850 Dry Valley Road, Kelowna.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

Visitation
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Springfield Funeral Home
(2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC)

Service
Thursday October 2, 2025, at 10:30 am (PDT)

Location
St. Edwards Catholic Church

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The Kelowna General Hospital (KGH Foundation) Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for ROBALO, Irene Dias is scheduled for Thursday October 2, 2025, at 10:30 am (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

St. Edwards Catholic Church

11123 Okanagan Centre Road East, Lake Country, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Maria Malta and Odette Goncalves says:

    We are deeply saddened to hear about Irene’s passing. Mom (Maria) remembers many good memories with Irene and family over the years when she lived in Burnaby and when she worked with her . Mom said that they worked hard in those days as times were very challenging but they shared many happy moments with laughter too.
    Our deepest sympathies to the whole family at this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.🙏

  • Paul and Lori Lopes says:

    We were very saddened to hear of Irene’s passing. We will always remember how she helped with our wedding reception and how she would bring fresh vegetables from her garden for my parents. Her generosity lives on in her daughter Lucy, who still visits our mother and always brings something. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

  • David Lopes says:

    Irene will be dearly missed. She was a wonderful and loyal friend to both my mother and father. The memories I carry are of her smile and her strong spirit. Please accept our sincerest sympathies and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  • Famiglia Verduci/Cusenza says:

    Once again, our condolences for the loss of the beautiful Irene. We pray for your healing and comfort. God bless you all!

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