Irene Madeleine Marguerite (Masschaele) Briand

Briand, Irene Madeleine (Masschaele)

August 1, 1927- March 2, 2023

Passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Irene was 95 years old and was the daughter of Charles and Alida Masschaele.  Irene’s parents arrived from Belgium and moved to Dover, Kent County. Raised on a farm in the heart of tobacco country, Irene was one of four children: Madeleine Bossuyt, Leon (predeceased) and Georgette (predeceased).

Irene was the loving wife and best friend to Joseph Briand (predeceased). They were married for 55 years before Joe’s passing in 2005.  The loving mother of 5 children:  Anne (Norm), Dan (Jacque), David, Rose (Ken) and Tim (Lori). 

Irene and Joe have a large extended family:

8 Grandchildren:

Laura (Niklas)

Mark (Rumi)

Robert (Karen)

Corinne (Timesha)

Sarah

Allison (Brian)

Mackenzie (Dan)

Dylan (Candace)

14 Great Grandchildren:

Henri & Sophie

Max & Marielle

Emily & Tegan

Jaxson & Bria

Hayden

Trinity

Enzo & Ayden

Kessler & Jett

Irene was a devoted wife and mother; working hard in and around the farm to help support her family. She had a talent for knitting and crocheting and was a gifted Quilter.  Irene’s labour of love created many beautiful quilts for her children and great grandchildren; keepsakes to be treasured forever.

Her other passions were playing in a mixed bowling league with her husband, playing cribbage on a regular basis, going on long Ski-Do trips (In her younger years) and the occasional Bailey’s with coffee. She looked forward to the yearly BBQ’s on her birthday in Burlington as it was a time to have all the family together in one place.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held on March 18, 2023 at Highland Park Funeral Centre in Peterborough.  An Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery will take place at a later date for family and close friends.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made in honor of Irene to the charity of your choice.

God Bless and Keep You