Irene LeRolland of Malverne Dies May 19

Irene LeRolland of Malverne died on May 19 in the company of her two sons, Jacques and Bret. She was 98.

Referred to by many as “a force of nature,” she was vibrant and alert to the very end. She reported suddenly feeling weak and her heart took its final beats a few hours later. Earlier that same day, she had her nails done and was on an outing at Hempstead Lake State Park.

Born in New York City to Irish and English immigrant parents, she was the youngest of five children, and the only girl.

She was devoted to her mother, Maggie O’Donnell Marsh, with whom she had a close and loving relationship.

She met the love her life, Rene LeRolland, at a YMCA dance, just before the outbreak of World War II. When he returned from the war, they were married and began a life together, which spanned over 70 years.

She worked as an executive secretary for the president of Pullman Standard Rail Cars and her husband joined the ranks of the New York Police Department.

After she gave birth to their two sons, the couple settled in her beloved Village of Malverne to raise their family. She was able to remain in her home at 185 Wicks Lane for 62 years, up to the time of her death.

One of the greatest joys of her life was her relationship with her granddaughter, Emily LeRolland, with whom she shared a special bond, her family said.

She was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, where she served in the Rosary Altar Society. She was a leading member of a group of parishioners who established and ran the OLL Church Thrift Store.

She had an active mind and was known for her quick wit, her family said. A voracious reader, she was well known to the staff of Malverne Public Library.

Her front door was open to all and her home was a gathering place for both her friends and those of her sons.

A memorial visitation will be held at Flinch & Bruns Funeral Home on August 18, from 7-9 p.m. There will be a funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on August 19 at 11 a.m. Following the Mass, there will be a lunch gathering, hosted by the LeRolland family at River Mill Tavern, 100 Ocean Avenue in Lynbrook, starting at 12:30 p.m.

Those planning to attend the luncheon, are asked to contact Bret LeRolland at 707.849.8989 to be included on the guest list.