IRENE LOUISE GARTNER

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IRENE LOUISE GARTNER

November 2, 1963 – April 28, 2025

On Sunday April 28, 2025, Irene Gartner passed away with her family at her home. She is dearly missed by her husband Murray; their children Emily and Aidan; siblings Don (Pat), Dave, Lionel (Bernice), Tim, Rob (Hahna), Lorne, and Mary (Don Barker); sister-in-law Crystal; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She will be joining her parents, Rae and Hilda Carter; sister-in-law Jillian Carter; parents-in-law, Cathy and John Gartner and brother-in-law Mike Gartner.

Irene was born in Esterhazy on November 2, 1963. She grew up in and around Spy Hill, Saskatchewan before leaving home as a young adult. She lived in Regina, White Rock and Yellowknife, before settling in Winnipeg, Manitoba at age 20 to complete her bachelor’s degree in interior design at the University of Manitoba. After graduating Irene went on to have a 30+ year career as a designer with her care, creativity and attention to detail gracing homes, businesses and community buildings throughout Manitoba. Outside of design work, Irene was also a passionate artist, who painted and drew all the time. Her work was all over her home and brought her immense joy.

In 1994, Irene met her husband and best friend Murray. They married in 1996 and went on to have two children, who they both adore. Irene was an amazing mother; caring, patient, and supportive. Happy to spend time with her kids, even as they grew into angsty teens and busy adults. For Irene and Murray, family adventures were a constant, with and without their children. They travelled across Canada and to Mexico, Europe, and New York. But Irene’s favourite place was always her own house, which she and Murray fixed up and filled with love and furniture from Kijiji. Many lazy days were spent by her at home painting, meditating, reading the paper or watching murder mysteries with her enabling husband.

Irene was generous with her time and always sought ways to help others, offering to volunteer for school functions and at Artbeat Studios over the years. She would make time for friends and family as much as she could and would support any cause that crossed her path. Her open heart and loving kindness made her a beloved by many, and she will be missed by her community.

The family would like to thank the staff at CancerCare Manitoba and the St. Boniface Hospital ER and Cardiac unit for their diligent care.

A funeral mass will take place at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford St., Winnipeg on Tuesday May 6 at 12:00 p.m. Her interment will be at Spy Hill Cemetery, Spy Hill, Saskatchewan on Saturday May 10 at 1:00 p.m. Receptions follow both events and all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Artbeat Studios (artbeatstudios.ca/donate).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2025