She worked at a neighbourhood bakery into her 80s, and is remembered with love

Irene Keating stands outside Georgestown Bakery with two mounted units of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. (Gary Cogswell/ Submitted by Stephen Lewis)

For more than 20 years, Irene Keating was a familiar face in the St. John's neighbourhood of Georgestown — especially people who lined up faithfully at a popular barkery for a fresh loaf of bread, a croissant or a bagel.

Keating, 84, was a counter worker at Georgestown Bakery, and often the main point of contact the company had with customers.

"She absolutely loved her work," Georgestown Bakery owner Stephen Lewis told CBC News.

Keating died peacefully at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital surrounded by family members.

Keating had lived a difficult life, dedicating herself completely to her three sons.

When she was 41 years old, her husband, an electrician, died on the job. According to the family's obituary, she then moved from Long Harbour to St. John's to build a life for her children — who at the time were all younger than seven years old.

'Hustled a lot of day-old bread'

Keating not fond of retirement when she tried it at 63.

One month in, she started working at Georgestown Bakery.

Keating enjoyed counter work, balancing three jobs at once throughout her career. She worked hard to buy a home and raise her family, and as a mother, she always put her children's needs ahead of her own, according to the obituary.

Keating was a familiar face at the Georgestown Bakery for many years. (Jamie MacKay/Submitted by Stephen Lewis)

She was also known for her sense of humour. According to Lewis, Keating once joked, "I know someone who retired once, and now she's six feet under."

She worked at the bakery's counter selling bread.

"She was good — she hustled a lot of the day-old bread," said Lewis.

However, Keating never ate the iconic Georgestown bread herself, preferring grocery store bread instead.

Keating stopped working a year before her death due to her declining health.

Missed by many

While many customers loved Keating, and knew her on a first-name basis, she also had a few enemies, said Lewis.

"She was tough," he said. "If she didn't like someone then there was trouble."

Georgestown Bakery owner Stephen Lewis says Keating was 'unflinchingly loyal.' (Heather Barrett/CBC)

However, Lewis also remembers her maternal qualities. Keating would often bring in sandwiches and leave meals for him.

"Irene was a complex soul. She was unflinchingly loyal to me," he said, adding he was "deeply honoured" by her.

"I never told her to do anything," he added. "It was a trouble-free 20 years."

LISTEN | Stephen Lewis remembers Georgestown Bakery staple Irene Keating:

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