Obituary

Irene died as she lived, on her terms to the fullest every single day. Irene was born in Toronto and lived in the area most of her life. She had forays to Beamsville as a farm worker during the war, later to Vancouver where 3 of 4 children were born, later yet to retirement at the farm in Mono Centre. After Bruce passed away in 1999 she moved to Fergus residing there 17 years and lastly to River Road, next door to Gavin and family. Irene went to University of Toronto where she received a Bachelors of Education. She taught elementary school in Toronto before marrying Bruce in 1955. One of Irene’s most cherished memories is the summer job she held at the Lime Kiln in Kincardine, where she worked from the ages of 17 to 27. Irene had a life-long love of the area and returned annually for camping trips with her children and Bruce. Irene was a bit of an enigma. After three plus decades of marriage, Bruce discovered that Irene was four years older than he thought. What happened during those four years will likely remain a mystery. But there was no mystery about Irene’s love for her family – her four children Glen, Brian, Gavin and Laurie; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Brett, Kelsi, Justin, Alison, Cydney and Devon; four great-grandchildren Kamryn, Oliver, Wesley and Kassidy. All were a source of fun, fascination and pride. Irene and Bruce spent countless hours watching their children play sports. She once shared that wrestling was hard to watch except for when Gavin wrestled because he always won. Irene pursued many interests in later years including gardening, knitting, antiques, and bible study. Irene was a long-time volunteer at Montgomery Inn in Etobicoke. Irene was a deeply spiritual person and treasured her bible study at St. Andrews Presbyterian in Fergus. She often spoke of how grateful she was for her church friendships and weekly ritual to Sunday service followed by lunch at Tim’s. Irene was a mother, daughter, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, aunt and more, each role played with love and enthusiasm. Good night Irene, until we meet again.