Irene (Bruce) Delorme, age 89, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Friday, December 25, 2020 at Sanford Hospital, Bismarck, ND.

Irene Emma (Bruce) Delorme was born on November 30, 1931 in Belcourt, ND to Alfred and Elizabeth (Smith) Bruce.  Irene was the middle child, and eldest daughter in a family of seven children.  She was raised in Belcourt and completed her education there, graduating from High School in Belcourt in 1950.  Irene met John Delorme and they were united in marriage on November 29, 1950.  Together, Irene and John had ten beautiful children, Patrick, Ramona, Jesse, Debora, Carol, Mary, Annette, Sandy, John Jr., and Charles.  She was always a dedicated mother, raising her children alone upon the passing of her husband in February 1976.

In the early years of her marriage, Irene and John led an adventurous life, living in different cities such as Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN, eventually making their way back home and settling in Belcourt.  Irene was a woman of many talents and held various jobs in addition to caring for her children.  She worked as an aid at San Haven and various jobs in Minneapolis and Rolla.  In 1966, Irene started working for St. Ann's/Ojibwa School in Belcourt.  She devoted 40 wonderful years to the school that was like a second family to her, where she worked as registrar.  Anyone who attended Ojibwa School during this time, had the privilege of knowing Irene and hearing her sweet voice when she answered the phone "Ojibwa School", as she did for many years.  Irene took much pride in her work and genuinely remembered every student that came through those doors.

Her children, grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren meant the absolute world to her.  She never missed an opportunity to share in their accomplishments, milestones, and family events, always beaming with pride and love.  She was a woman of quiet grace and compassion.  Although she may have experienced many hardships, loss, and pain, she never spoke of her life in that way.  Irene only focused on the positive, always seeing the bright side in every situation.  She often shared stories from her life and her family, cherishing every memory she made with those she loved.  Irene had an uncanny way of making family and friends feel important, forming meaningful and unique connections with each person.  She genuinely gave a piece of her heart to loved ones, and everyone carried a piece of it with them.  She took great pleasure in not only being a wife, mother, and grandmother, but being a wonderful friend as well as a caring auntie, sister, and niece.

In addition to her immense love for her family and friends, Irene had a great love for Christ.  She was a woman of devout faith and a dedicated Catholic.  Irene attended mass every Sunday, prayed her daily rosary, as well as attending weekly adoration at her parish, St. Ann's.  She shared her faith and took much joy in seeing others embrace it as well.

Irene enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, playing bingo or her favorite slot machines at the casino.  She was always up for a road trip, as she loved to travel and did so on many occasions.  She loved embroidery, crocheting, and ceramics, making beautiful gifts for her family and friends over the years.  She was an avid gameshow watcher, Lipton Green Tea drinker, Dairy Queen lover, and always ordered chicken strip baskets, no matter the restaurant; some of the many little traits that made her so extraordinary and irreplaceable.  Irene found happiness in the simple things in life, such as her many pets over the years, a sweet treat, or a good cup of coffee.  When she hugged you, you felt it through your whole body.  She radiated love and kindness and all who knew her, felt it.  Irene had a pure heart, a peaceful strength, strong will, and would fiercely protect those she loved.  Her smile was beautiful and contagious, lighting up any room-that perfect smile and her sweet voice will never be forgotten.  She was a true angel on earth, blessing everyone who adored her.  She will always be lovingly remembered and missed immensely.

Irene is survived by her sons, Patrick (Kathy) Delorme, Jesse (Janice) Delorme, and Charles (Darlene) Delorme, all of Belcourt; daughters, Debora Delorme, Carol (Alvin) Swain, Mary Delorme, all of Belcourt, and Ramona Delorme of Park River; 33 grandchildren; 71 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; brother, Albert Bruce of Highmore, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Elizabeth Bruce, husband, John Delorme, son, John Howard Delorme, daughters, Sandra Delorme-Lujan and Annette Francis Delorme, and great grandson, MiQuel John Belgarde, and her siblings, Joseph Bruce, Earnest Bruce, Raymond Bruce, Amelia Morin, and Evelyn Belmin.

Casket Bearers are Jason Delorme, Shawn Belgarde, Joshua Delorme, Patrick Gefroh, Jody Delong, Cody Delong, Charles Delorme Jr., and John Joseph Azure.  Honorary Bearers are all family, friends, and grandchildren.   Readers are Michele Delorme and Kathy Rohlfing-Delorme.  Music by Leonard Keplin.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will follow in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND. Father Tony Hession presiding.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.