Irene May Kroeker (nee Nickel) passed away on February 14, 2019 in Victoria, B.C. Predeceased by her husband David, she leaves to mourn her daughters Arlene McDonald, Beatrice (Greg) McQuaid and Janet Kroeker, her grandchildren Jennifer (Mark), Daniel, Lauren, and Sarah (Michael), as well as her sisters Alma Penner and Elsie (Rudy) Klassen.
Irene was born on January 26, 1935 in Plum Coulee, Manitoba. She completed Teachers’ College and was teaching in a rural one-room schoolhouse at the age of 17. When she and David married, they settled in Winnipeg and had 3 daughters. Irene created a welcoming home for her family and friends, supporting her children and husband in all their endeavors, pursuing her own educational interests, and overseeing mission work through the church.
When David retired and they moved to Victoria, Irene invited newcomers to Canada into her home where she taught them English and the intricacies of a new culture. Irene was a passionate gardener, avid reader, enjoyed travelling, and loved music, especially singing hymns. Her fondness of children was reflected in her close relationships with each of her grandchildren.
Irene’s deep faith in Christ guided her throughout her life. On Valentine’s Day, 2019, she joined her husband, David forever in God’s keeping. We extend our appreciation to all the staff at Beacon Hill Villa for the professional, loving care they provided during Irene’s last years.
A Funeral Service in Irene’s honour will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 10:00 am in the Sequoia Centre at McCall’s Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria B.C.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Bob Strong
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Anneke Wijkstra Dear family of Irene, especially Janet, who I know so well,
I’m working as a recreation therapist at Beacon Hill Villa and remember Irene very well, her smile made my day, every work day. She had a very kind soul, how she loved to have her hair done, every week.
Janet brought her mother, while visiting, to most of the activities I was hosting, or took her outside for a walk. One of the favorite activities for Irene was, coming to Hymn-Sing or other related music programs. She loved also our one on one visits with me.
I will deeply miss her and her family.
Take care,
Anneke Wijkstra
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Glen Klassen To Arlene, Beatrice and Greg, and Janet,
On behalf of Rudy and Elsie, Greg and Lisa, I want to offer our deepest sympathies to you folks. Christina and I have fond memories of staying with your parents a number of years ago when we vacationed in Victoria. Aunt Irene will be missed and fondly remembered. Grace and peace to you.
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Catherine Duffield & Bruce Clarke Janet & Family May Her Love Live On In Your Family’s Hearts Foreever .
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Karen Upton Irene was such a gentle and special lady. It was a joy to be her neighbour when she lived in Gordon Head… I got to enjoy her beautiful garden and she gave me lots of tips to improve mine. She will now be enjoying God’s garden in Heaven…..and no weeding to do!
My sincere condolences on your loss. I pray that memories of happier times will see you through your time of grief!
“God gave us memory so we might enjoy roses in winter.”
I am a respected researcher of Mennonite genealogy, and would like to connect your loved one to her/your family and ancestry, which I am unable to do given the information in her obituary. (Who were her parents and grandparents?)
My on-line project contains over 475,000 individuals, including more than 2,000 Kroekers and 2,000 Nickels, but my sources show no identifiable ancestry for your family. Please contact me at an appropriate time if you are willing to share/exchange details. Thank you. All information about living individuals is suppressed to protect your/their privacy.