Passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, in Oak Ridges Hospice, Port Perry, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Bern, Switzerland, she lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and humor, dedicating herself to nurturing her family. Irene’s love of the outdoors, including travel, camping, and gardening, her culinary talent and passion a highlight of many fondly remembered family gatherings, and her skills in needlecraft, especially quilting, enriched not only her own life but all those who knew her.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Arthur Lorne Rosbottom, children Stephanie (Carmine) Benincasa, and Julie (Jarrett) Green, granddaughter Jocelyn, and her sister Ursula (Bob) Welland, nephew Greg (Melanie) and niece Lisa (Ian). She was predeceased by her brother Peter Paul Gfeller, and her parents Juliana Augustine and Paul Ernst Gfeller.
Irene inspired family traditions including a love of cheese fondue and Swiss holiday baking, she created a home filled with laughter and comfort. Her memory will forever be cherished for the legacy of enduring love, compassion, and resilience she leaves.
A celebration of life will be held at Whitby Seniors’ Activity Centre, 801 Brock Street South, Whitby, on September 19, 2025 at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her honor to Oak Ridges Hospice of Durham Ltd.
