IRENE PATRICIA WARKENTIN (WARD)

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IRENE PATRICIA WARKENTIN (nee WARD) Peacefully on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, Irene Warkentin passed away at the age of 89 years. Irene Warkentin was born on March 15, 1916 in Franklin, MB, where she grew up. She lived and worked in southern Manitoba, and married Dr. Abram P. Warkentin, who predeceased her in 1997. Irene and Abe moved to Winkler, MB where they lived until 1955, after which they moved to Winnipeg, where they remained for the rest of their lives. While able, they travelled widely and then for 10 years wintered in Mesa, AZ. Throughout her life, Irene was a devout Christian. Abe and Irene attended the Mennonite Brethren Church in Winkler, and upon moving to Winnipeg attended Bethesda Church. Irene was artistic and creative in all she did, whether painting, upholstery, writing or hospitality. But she will be best remembered for her profound belief in the Lord, in whom she found not only her salvation, but her strength, her love for life, and her mission in being a loving wife, mother and friend to countless people whose lives she touched. Irene possessed a real joy for life and was rarely seen without a smile on her face, and was a source of inspiration to her family and friends. She will be sadly missed, and is survived by her daughter Judith and son-in-law, Rev. Bruce Yarrow of Winnipeg, and many nieces and nephews in Winnipeg and across Canada. All who knew Irene will cherish her memory. The family wishes to thank the staff of Riverview Health Centre for all their kindnesses in providing Irene with a comfortable and caring home over the last several months. A memorial service will be held at Bethesda Church at 1350 Grant Ave. (at Cambridge), in Winnipeg, on Thursday, December 1 at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made, if friends so desire, in Irene's memory, to the World Missions Fund at Bethesda Church, 1350 Grant Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3M 2A7, or to Forward House Ministries, 407 Chalmers Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2L 0G6. Forever in our hearts Now in the arms of God Arrangements entrusted to: Friends Funeral Service 2146 Main Street Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2005