June Raby Irwin

June Raby Irwin, 97, passed away peacefully in her home with beloved family members at her side on Monday November 23rd 2020. She was born in New Orleans to beloved parents, Carmelite Dennis Raby and Julius Robert Raby. She was raised in New Orleans and later lived in Gentilly and then Lakeview.

June was preceded in death by her beloved husband George Henry Irwin, Sr., to whom she was married for almost 54 years, her parents, her sister Ann Raby Labarre, her brother-in-law Lynn Labarre, her son Robert Irwin, and Linda Irwin Devitis.

She is survived by a daughter, Debra Irwin Leiter (Arthur Leiter, Sr.), sons George Irwin, Jr. (Diane Byrd), and Dennis Irwin (Kathy Rando), daughters-in-law Karen Irwin and Elaine Irwin, nephew Steve Labarre (Betty Blanchard), and a host of other family members.

June exemplified kindness, gentleness, generosity, and love to her family and all she knew. She was an exceptional and beloved daughter, wife, mother, and matriarch to over 50 family members and a true friend to many more. A lifelong devout Catholic in Sacred Heart, Saint Rose, Saint Raphael, and Saint Dominic, and St. Pius parishes, she instilled in her children a love of God and sacrificed much so they could obtain a quality education at New Orleans diocese schools- Sacred Heart, St. Rose, St. Raphael, Cor Jesu, Mount Carmel Academy, and Brother Martin.

Her very large family legacy also includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Many have gotten to know her personally and love her greatly.

June’s many grandchildren include Douglas Irwin (Emilee), Jeffrey Irwin (Amy), Leigh Irwin (Catherine), Michael Irwin (Monique), Jeremy Irwin (Megan), Gregory Irwin (Jamie), Arthur Leiter Jr. (Dara), and Matthew Irwin. Her step grandchildren are Shawn Leiter Ruiz (Stacy), Kim Leiter Mason (Todd), and the late Tracy Leiter Deroche.

Her great-grandchildren include Graham, Izze, Lulah, Maeve, Payten, Berklee, Ashbury, Tilly, Hadley, Mabel, Silas, Kai, and Harper. Her step-great-grandchildren are Christiana , Kelcie, Paige, Brent, Devin, Zachary, Jordan and the late Kenny. She is survived by 7 great-great-step- grandchildren.

Beyond her family are many friends who lovingly addressed her as Miss June, Junie, Junebug, and Mother Superior. They, too, were attracted and impacted by June's example of kindness, gentleness, generosity, and love.

In her later years, as a widow, June found great comfort from her daughter, Debbie, who cared for her throughout many personal difficulties, including Katrina and various medical issues. June called Debbie her “angel” and rightly so. June was mostly confined to her bed at Debbie's home for much of her last six years with us. Debbie, Arthur, Dennis, Kathy, Crystal, Maria and many others helped to make those years enjoyable and memorable. June lived a very full and fruitful life. She was loved by a great multitude. She blessed the lives of many, many people.

In closing June Raby Irwin was a lover of God, lover of people, and beloved by all! One of her favorite responses when someone said, “I love you” to her was “I love you more.” Now, Mom, June, we can all say in unison, “We love you more.” Amen.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will be from 9:45AM-10:45AM with a remembrance at 10:45AM. Mass to follow at 11:00AM. A private interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery #3. In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to honor June is requested to make a contribution in her name to the Team Gleason Foundation to improve life for people living with ALS.

Due to COVID 19 regulations, please follow the current restrictions and everyone attending is required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing.

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