With great sadness we announce the passing of our loving mother in Victoria, BC.
Predeceased by her grandson Bohdan, Irene will be deeply missed by her children, Lori (Stephen), Donna, Kevin (Leslie); granddaughters, Anastasia (Aden), Amelia (Mark) and great granddaughter Rhya; sister Lydia (Walter) as well as numerous other family members.
Irene graduated from Quo Vadis School of Nursing in 1967. She worked in psychiatric nursing and later, long-term care. In her later years she enjoyed performing music. Harmonica in hand, she graced the halls of many retirement homes and cafés with the sound of Miz. Daisy and the Kaptein’s old-time classics.
Irene brightened many lives with her kindness and sense of humor. Mom always marched to beat of her own drum. She loved art and music and strived to live life to fullest.
Thank you to all the friends and family who have been so kind and supportive as well as the nurses and doctors at VGH (sixth floor). Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com.
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Joie
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Joy Kruger Irene had such spark I’ll miss her occasional, insightful, delightful catch-up phone calls. She was treasured by so many regulars at the Spiral Open Mic and beyond and some of us regulars to the music scene there have been sharing performance videos from past years. She loved to tease my husband Big Mike, who loved to tease her back and the two of them put on a great banter on the stage, proving fun and laughter for everyone attending. But much better known were her antics with with Mark, between and during their songs! We miss and talk about Mark and Irene’s versions of ‘On the Cover of Senior Living’, and ‘You can Get Anything You Want, at the Spiral Cafe’, where the whole of the Open Mic attendees would enthusiastically sing along. I’m thankful for the gifts she gave to me and the music community. Thankful for the memories. So sorry she’s gone, and I’m wishing all the family much strength and peace and love in coming to terms with this loss, and the grief that comes with it.
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Kenny and Donna-lee Allin. From Ontario Love hugs, and many lovely memories. Such a lovely person
Irene was an inspiration and brought joy to many. In some of our darkest hours, she made us laugh, truly laugh. I will always treasure the many times we shared great conversations, music, meals, laughter, a friendship and sisterhood. She will truly be missed.
My deepest condolences to all of her family members.