The people of Pictou County and greater Nova Scotia are mourning the loss of Irene Sobey‑Aucoin, a distinguished philanthropist, community advocate, and a beloved Leader of the Way Chair at United Way Pictou County (UWPC).
Irene Sobey‑Aucoin passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of dedication to community development, education, healthcare, and the arts. As a founding force in The Sobey Foundation—a legacy established in 1982 by Frank H. Sobey, his wife Irene, and their children—she played a crucial role in directing transformative investments in primary healthcare and community initiatives across Pictou County .
United Way Trailblazer
Irene served as Leader of the Way Chair for UWPC, a role in which she led fundraising campaigns, galvanized volunteers, and ensured vital resources flowed to programs supporting families in need, youth development, seniors, and mental health services. In commemorating the 60th anniversary of “Leaders of the Way,” UWPC shared tributes highlighting her warmth and leadership, with her father Donald Sobey by her side .
Champion of the Arts & Education
A passionate advocate for the arts, Irene helped preserve Canadian cultural heritage. The Sobey Art Foundation—created by Frank and Irene Sobey in 1981—supports art collections at Crombie House (their former home in Abercrombie, Pictou County), hosting tours and showcasing works by iconic Canadian artists .
She also championed educational access, including scholarships and endowments at institutions like Saint Mary’s University, to empower future generations of Atlantic Canadians .
Family & Community Bonds
Married to Donald C. R. Sobey and mother to Robert, Irene (married to Gilles), and Kent, Irene upheld the Sobey family’s deep community roots. These bonds extended far beyond bloodlines, touching countless lives through her philanthropic vision and personal kindness.
Enduring Impact
• Healthcare & Community Development: Strategic investments continue under The Sobey Foundation’s five-year plan, targeting partnerships with Citizens for a Healthy Pictou County, VON, the deCoste Entertainment Centre, Pictou County Partnership, and The Ship Hector Society .
• Arts & Heritage: Crombie House tours remain a testament to Irene’s commitment to cultural preservation. Visitors enjoy Canadian masterworks in an intimate Pictou County setting .
• Social Support: Her leadership in United Way helped secure funding for mental health, senior services, youth mentoring, and essential programs—strengthening the local safety net.
Irene Sobey‑Aucoin will forever be remembered as a compassionate leader whose heartfelt vision shaped the Pictou County community:
• A unifying force in United Way, inspiring volunteerism and local pride.
• A cultural ambassador, fostering access to art and celebrating Canadian creativity.
• A benevolent steward, ensuring healthcare, education, and community supports were within reach for all.
Her passing leaves a profound void—but her legacy continues through the institutions she shaped: The Sobey Foundation, United Way, the arts, and countless lives uplifted under her care.
Honour Her Legacy
Families, friends, and community members can remember Irene by:
• Supporting United Way Pictou County, continuing the work she led.
• Visiting Crombie House, to cherish art and heritage close to her heart.
• Engaging with The Sobey Foundation, especially in initiatives like healthcare and community capacity building.
In Conclusion
Irene Sobey‑Aucoin was a luminous presence in Pictou County, a quiet yet unwavering force for good whose compassion and leadership transformed communities. Her legacy lives on in better healthcare, enriched arts, thriving education, and the countless individuals she touched. Pictou County mourns her loss—and celebrates a life beautifully lived.
If you’d like details on memorial services or ways to honor Irene’s memory, feel free to ask.
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