IRENE ELIZABETH KERR (MCKENZIE) -

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IRENE ELIZABETH KERR (nee MCKENZIE) 1922 - 2006 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Irene, Mother, Nana, Sister and Aunt, who left us to be reunited with her beloved husband on June 15, 2006. Irene was predeceased by her husband Jim (1920 - 1998); her parents, Clara and Gordon McKenzie; three brothers, Lawrence, Earl and Wallace; and two sisters, Olive and Mabel. Left to mourn are children, Sharon (Robb Finnen), Doreen and Gord; grandchildren, Holly (Dan) and Jim (Kim); sisters, Edith (Frank Pierce) and Alma Yule; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is Dad's brother Seth (Marguerite) and family. Mom was raised on a farm in Harding, MB during the depression. Many stories were told of growing up on the farm with eight kids, no electricity and little money. Mom used to get annoyed in seeing her everyday tools displayed in museums as antiquities'. She would constantly exclaim - Those aren't antiques, we used them on the farm! Moving to Brandon for Psychiatric Nursing training, Mom graduated in 1942. It was there she met a dashing young aircraft mechanic in the RCAF. As father told it he quickly made history of the Australian pilot trainees who formerly hung around.' Married in 1945, Mom and Dad were transferred to Abbotsford, BC for the year after the war, and moved to Winnipeg when Dad was discharged from the RCAF. Moving to the outskirts of the city (old Fort Garry) in 1948 with a new baby, Mom and Dad quickly became involved in neighbourhood activities. Always active in the church and Sunday Schools (Windermere and Donnelly United), Square Dance clubs and Brownies and Job's Daughters when her daughters wanted to join, Mom went to work at Sears in the late 1960s and stayed for many years. In later years she joined the ladies Fort Garry bowling league, but her real passion was the Windsor Golf Course Women's League. Mom and Dad took lessons every winter without fail, and waited eagerly for the courses to open in the spring. A support to her children always and with overwhelming love and affection for her grandchildren, Mom will be sorely missed, but remembered with grateful hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. The family extends many thanks to the staff at Home Care, and the Misericordia Hospital Cornish 5. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 2-836 Ellice Ave, Winnipeg, R3G 9Z9 would be appreciated by the family. Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21 at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 Des Meurons St. Interment of the cremated remains will take place at a later date at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. I put my hand in the hand of God, And firm and sound was the path I trod, Safely He led through the hours of the night, Out of the unknown into the light. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 17, 2006