Irene was born in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, May 21, 1918 and passed peacefully on September 5, 2017. One of nine children, Irene grew up a ‘farm girl’, and was so in spirit her whole life. A lover of plants and animals, she maintained her own garden until her last days. We will all miss Mom’s stories of her time growing up on the farm.
Loved by her family, friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners, she was always quick to flash a smile and offer of her kitchen. She was fiercely independent and always awoke with some purpose in mind for that particular day. Never wanting to waste time or resources, she was a prodigious baker and keen knitter, producing hundreds of items of toys and clothing to be played with and worn far and wide.
Irene was predeceased (1948) by her first husband, Harry George Barnard and by her long-time husband and soul mate, Fred (1994). Sadly, she experienced the passing of six of her siblings: Victor, Violet, Lillian, Kenneth, Jack and Kathleen but is survived by Ernest and Richard. “Granny” will be fondly remembered and missed by her three children, Pat (Bill, d. 2012) Hurlbert, Bob (Patsy) and James (Kathleen) and her grandchildren, Marie, Billy, Alyson, Adrian, Kaylie, Lindsey, Jeff, Eric, and thirteen great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mom was blessed with a huge extended family. Familial lines blurred when you were in her circle of love.
The family wishes to acknowledge the staff and residents of Norgarden Estates, which she happily described as ‘the next best place to heaven.’
A reception to celebrate her life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please direct any such kindness toward the Canadian Cancer Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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natalie woods
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Berte and George Fraser Dear Bob and family, Our dear Irere will be sadly missed by her St.Dunstan’s family. We so enjoyed her expertise at crafts. I will always remember her many knitting tips along with so many funny and interesting stories. She was a remarkable kind and loving dear soul. May you all treasure the many happy memories she has left with you.
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David,Stacey,Giles and Cassandra Virgin Aunt Rene was a very special lady, full of kindness and a glowing spirit. Dad so enjoyed her telephone calls and insightful discussions. On behalf of Stacey, Giles Cassandra and myself, may I offer our deepest condolences to Pat, Bob Patsy and family, Jim Kathleen and family, Uncle Ern and Uncle Dick.
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inez Please excuse the typos above. The last sentence should say; I sincerely hope that memories of happy family times will sustain you as you mourn her passing
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inez Dear Bob and Family,
We so enjoyed visiting with Irene at the garden party this summer. She was in fine form, and had a grand time in Marg Pilon’s garden. I will always remember the roaster of “Granny’s buns” that appeared at every St. Dunstan’s potluck.She was a wonderful woman who lived a long, productive life. I sincerely he that memories of happy family tomes will sustain you as you mournherassing.
Sending condolences to Irene’s family. I hope with time your memories will bring you comfort. My mother was a ACW friend for many years and had always enjoyed her times spent with Irene. Natalie Woods(nee Carroll)