Obituary of Irene Mary Austin
Irene Mary Austin passed away very peacefully with family by her side at W.G. Bishop Nursing Home on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Born on February 16, 1935 of Harry and Mabel (nee Hazlett), she was 88.
Born on February 16, 1935 of Harry and Mabel (nee Hazlett), she was 88.
Dearly loved mother of Mona (Karl), proud grandmother of Peter, Kyle (Tia) and Melissa (Kevin) and adored GiGi of Elias,
Ayla, Rosalie and Ronin. Dear step-mother to Joanne (Kenneth) and Kathy (Donna), beloved Auntie to many, many nieces
and nephews, and blessed with the extraordinary loving care of her niece Glenna (Aurele) and great-niece MaryJane (Joey)
in the final years of her life. She was a friend to many, and called most friends family.
Irene was the baby in the family, predeceased by her siblings, Golden (Norma), Kenneth (Jean), Harold (Stella), Alvin (Mary),
Lester (Lily), Roy (Alma), Raymond (Doris), Harry (Hazel), Robert (Maggie), Nellie (Richard), Sadie (Howard), Pansy (William)
and 2 infants. She never tired of reminiscing about them, remembering all the love they shared. May they all be together at last.
Irene was blessed with true love: She spent 44 years with her first love, Joyce, enjoyed a good life and raised a daughter together. After Joyce passed away,
Irene was fortunate enough to find love again in Joan and they had 17 years of happiness together.
Irene loved music. Playing guitar and singing were common occurrences in Irene's younger years, making up songs... usually funny ones. Irene could always be found with a little furbuddy of one kind or another in her lap or by her side. She loved to drive to destinations near and far, was an avid reader, crossword puzzle champion and jigsaw puzzle master. She worked hard all her life, some would call her a Jack-of-All Trades... she would insert "but Master of none!" She loved woodworking, making things with her hands out of ideas in her head, bringing out the beauty in discarded furniture with sand and stain, and kept busy doing little fix-its for the people she cared about. She was fearless and strong.
She strove to make people laugh, was absolutely hilarious and had a sarcastic wit we are going to miss dearly. Her light will continue to shine long after she is gone.
The Whispering Mind
Its normal that you shed a tear
When I first took my leave
But know that I am happy here
No need for you to grieve
The beauty that's surrounding me
Would take your breath away
There's colours that I cant describe
The air's a sweet bouquet
Don't worry 'bout the things unsaid
There's nothing to forgive
Don't lay your heart upon the past
Just let our memories live
And though your Earthly eyes can't see
Believe that I am there
Whene'er you feel the whispering wind
Flow gently through your hair
I'm there when fireflies light the dark
When candles mark a year
I'm there when you are far from home
And when you need an ear
I'm always just a thought away
Our souls could never part
Connected for eternity
Forever in your heart
-Donna Schilling
No funeral services, as per Irene's wishes.
A Celebration of Life will be determined at a later date.
For those who wish to honour Irene's memory with a donation, please do so at your local Food Bank, Animal Shelter or Addictions Centre.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Irene
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Hogg Funeral & Cremation Services
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