On June 8, 2018, with heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Irene. Irene was born and grew up in Port Williams, Nova Scotia with her 3 older brothers, Allan, Harold and Don. She married Gil in 1948 and began life as a navy wife, moving frequently back and forth across the country. Irene worked for Woodwards in the 1960’s and then for the Bank of Montreal in the 1980’s after returning to Vancouver Island to live in 1978. Following Gil’s death in 1990, Irene met and married Bob Swailes and they were married for 23 years until Bob’s passing in 2015. In 2016, Irene and longtime acquaintance Merv Witherow discovered many shared interests and soon became a couple. Irene’s love of jazz took her to many festivals but her favourite times were at Hermann’s Jazz Club, listening to CanUS play. Irene played bridge regularly with many longtime friends and belonged to aerobics and aquatics exercise groups for many years. She loved to travel and had many great adventures. She had a good fashion sense and loved nothing better than a great bargain on a pair of shoes. Her zest for life brought many friends into her circle and they remained there all her life.
Predeceased by husbands, Gil Beveridge and Bob Swailes and son, Rick. Survived by partner, Merv; son, Randy (Juanita); daughter-in-law, Sharron; 4 granddaughters, Terra (Paul), Alicia (Mike), Laurel (Mark) and Jess (Scott); 3 great-grandchildren Kaitlyn, Jonathan and Janie.
She will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2018 in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens (Royal Oak), 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Broadmead Care Society www.broadmeadcare.com/donate.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Laura
-
Mike Tresoor Irene was a fascinating woman full of life and energy. I always enjoyed our visits with her in Victoria. She was such a great host and just loved to spend time with Alicia and Janie. She will be missed. God bless her.
-
Jan Markham So sorry for your loss Randy and Juanita.
Hugs
-
Barbara Harris My condolences to Irene’s family. I loved the times I was in her company at the pool. She was always happy, loved people, told the greatest stories, and was an inspiration for how to really enjoy life!
Rest In Peace,Barbara Harris
-
Shelley Brown Irene was a role model on how to live a good life and always be joyful. She was so positive and always up for an adventure. It was a pleasure to have met Irene.
Shelley the bus driver (Esq. & Victoria Road Trips & Rambles)
-
Wayne Harper Wayne & Debbie
So sorry to here of Irene’s Passing. She will be missed by all who new her.
-
Georgina Jones Was so sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. She always enjoyed Family get to-gethers.She will be missed. Hold on to the memories.
-
BRIAN WARBURTON I am so sorry for your loss. Irene lived the good life and you will have many happy memories.
-
Denise Irene was always a bright light wherever she went. I’m saddened by your loss Randy and Juanita. Sending you love and hugs.
Thinking of you all during this time.
Irene was so full of life and always had great conversations with everyone around her. Even if she didnt know you very well, she went out of her way to say hello. She will be missed.
Hugs to you all. ❤❤