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Irene Catherine Renaud
Born: Dec 22, 1933
Date of Passing: Oct 05, 2015
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IRENE RENAUD It is with profound sorrow that we, the loving family of Irene Catherine Renaud (née Rebiffe) bid a final farewell to our beloved wife, sister, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. After a 33 month battle, Irene Renaud passed away quietly surrounded by her loving family on October 5, 2015. Irene, the daughter of Cora Braun, was born on December 22, 1933 in Winnipeg. Childhood years on the family farm at Fisher Branch bred in her a hardy work ethic and a life-long love of horses. She attended Kelvin High School, where she excelled in athletics, and gave early indications of her leadership skills as a member of the student council. Her rare beauty prompted numerous offers of modelling work and beauty pageant accolades but it was her keen intellect and strong will which led her on a very different path. For many years, Irene worked as a Dental Nurse, advancing to an executive position with the Dental Nurses Association of Winnipeg. Again, she chose another path when she met the love of her life, Maurice Renaud. They married in 1954 and together they raised three boys: Kerry, Randall, and the youngest, Ritchie. However, Irene still desired a working career of her own, and became a "hostess" (agent) for the company Welcome Wagon. This launched a 30-year career in which her remarkable leadership and managerial skills took her to the very top in the company, eventually becoming the President and CEO. She was the longest serving Chairman of the Board in the company's 85-year history in Canada. And in 1992, during the Canadian 125th anniversary celebrations, she was awarded the Governor General's Medal for significant contributions to community and country. Yet, despite the demands of her executive position, Irene never failed to celebrate life -- loving to try new restaurants and travel the world. From Vancouver to Venezuela, Hawaii to Hong Kong, Bali to Italy, and many, many points in between. Her favourite annual destination was Marco Island, Florida, where she and husband Maurice spent tranquil winters together along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Irene's other favourite place to be was her own garden -- a summer oasis that embodied all of her many qualities: the love and gentle care she showed as a mother; her expert organizational and maintenance skills; and the beauty and grace she showed throughout her life. Irene always showed unique abilities to take on challenges and was the one to whom both family and co-workers would turn to solve problems. She was a woman of impressive strength and pride, and even when medical professionals gave her the dire news of her leukaemia, she never let it defeat her spirit. Nor would she allow others around her to despair. She merely turned her remarkable resolve to accomplishing unfinished tasks, and far outlived the life expectancy average. Irene leaves behind to cherish her memory a grieving but proud family, her husband of 61 years, Maurice, her sons Kerry (Joanne), Randall, and Ritchie (Jennifer), her sister Diane (Mike), as well as grandchildren Matthew (Dayna), Taylor, and Ryan, and nieces Lorraine, Bonnie, and Susan. The family wishes to thank Dr. Houston and Barb Hues as well as Dr. Pat Harris for their care. Also sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at CancerCare Manitoba, and Dr. St. Godard and the rest of the amazing, compassionate staff at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative. No formal service is planned in accordance with her wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to CancerCare Manitoba. "The great secret of death, and perhaps its deeper connection with us, is this: that, in taking from us a being we have loved and venerated, death does not wound us without, at the same time, lifting us toward a more perfect understanding of this being and of ourselves." Rainer Maria Rilke January 23, 1924
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 06, 2015
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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To Maurice, Kerry and Joanne, Randy, Ritchie and Jennifer and all the grandchildren, that Irene was so proud of. I am so very sorry for your loss. Irene was my client and so much more for over fifty years. I had the honor of being Irene's hairstylist. It's easy to take credit for making a beautiful lady even more beautiful. I was there when "Brutus" was the dog. When the boys were in school and Irene would have liked to have seen Ritchie's eyes that his bangs covered. When everyone was keeping their fingers crossed the weather would hold off until the Red River Ex was over. So much excitement over the years. Irene made me feel apart of Christmas celebrations when all the out of town family was coming home, she shared tips on making dinners and as busy as she was she brought baking in for my staff and extra goodies for my mom and I. (always Yummy) Getting ready for Marco Island and spending time with her sister. Finding the perfect Florida hairstylist (I always offered to fit in her suitcase) She would be looking forward to getting the backyard and pool ready for spring. I will miss you Irene. Beautiful lady. Hope this Christmas is full of the wonderful memories that all of you created together. - Posted by: Suzy Caci (Hair Stylist) on: Dec 06, 2015
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Words cannot express how saddened we were to hear of Irene's passing. I have lost a wonderful friend who I have known for many years. We have had some great times together, from visits in Marco Island, to lunches out with the girls. I will miss all of our telephone conversations, as well as Irene's love and support. Our thoughts go out to you Mo, and your family, we share in your sorrow. Love Doreen and John - Posted by: Doreen and John Haywood (Friends) on: Oct 13, 2015
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We are sorry to hear of Irene's passing. Please pass on our sympathy to the family. From uncle Tim and daughters Lorna and Donna and family - Posted by: Tim Vandersteen (uncle) on: Oct 09, 2015
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To Kerry & Joanne and the rest of the family, we are so sorry for your loss. Your Mother is radiant inside and out. We hope your love and happy memories will help you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts. Love Shauna & Tim xoxoxo - Posted by: Shauna Filuk & Tim Scott (Friend's of Kerry and Joanne) on: Oct 08, 2015
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My condolences to the family on Irene's passing. I had the pleasure of working with her for over 20 years. - Posted by: Gail Dalley (Friend and Co-worker) on: Oct 08, 2015
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I am so sorry to hear about Irene. Irene was a beautiful woman inside and out. I will miss greeting her and seeing her great smile when she walked in our building. My thoughts are with you. Kim (nursing assistant) - Posted by: Kim () on: Oct 07, 2015
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I am so sorry to hear of Irene's passing. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to have met & cared for her. My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. - Posted by: Kim (Nurse) on: Oct 06, 2015
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I am so sorry to hear of Irene's passing. She was an amazing, kind hearted person and I week miss her very much. Thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. She is always with you - Posted by: Jenn (Nurse) on: Oct 06, 2015
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Farewell to our most beautiful friend, inside and out. Beauty without envy... and that was achieved by Irene's ability to make everyone she spoke to seem like the most important person she knew. She was a giver and never a taker and was willing to share sincere love with all whom she met. You made life seem precious Irene and we already miss your sincere enthusiastic personality. Thank you for a wonderful friendship. God Bless you Mo and your dear family, we are shedding some tears with you all at this time. Sincerely, Rhoda - Posted by: Rhoda Collins, Vancouver Island (Friend of a happy lifetime) on: Oct 06, 2015