Saskatoon philanthropist Irene Dubé, who together with her late husband Leslie donated millions to health care and education, died on June 9 at age 89. Her family includes three children, three grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Health Care Contributions
The Dubés were known for supporting all four Saskatoon hospitals. Between 1987 and 2024, they donated nearly $8 million to Royal University Hospital (RUH). The Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health at RUH bears their name.
Irene also knitted hundreds of afghans for patients, providing comfort beyond financial gifts.
Education and Community Support
In 2024, Irene and her son David donated $7.5 million to Saskatchewan Polytechnic for a new campus and psychiatric nursing scholarships. The nursing school at the new campus is named after the Dubés.
Earlier, the couple gave $10 million to the University of Saskatchewan for health sciences, with a lecture theatre and library named in their honor. Irene served on the U of S board of governors.
Recognition and Honors
Irene and Leslie received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from the University of Saskatchewan in 2007. They were awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2008 and inducted into the Order of Canada in 2016.
Saskatoon hospital foundations called Irene a “remarkable” woman whose commitment left an “indelible mark on Saskatchewan.” U of S president Vince Bruni-Bossio offered heartfelt condolences.
After stepping back from the Concorde Group of Companies, philanthropy became Irene’s main focus. Her obituary noted she was a full partner to Les in building businesses and giving back.
