IRENE M. CROSDALE

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IRENE M. CROSDALE Peacefully on March 15, 2006, our aunt and great-aunt, Irene (Aunt René) passed away at Tuxedo Villa. Her niece, Linda was with her as she started on her new journey. Irene was born in Winnipeg on October 27, 1917 to Clifton and Agnes Crosdale originally from England. Later a sister Audrey arrived to make the family complete. For many years the family lived in St. James except for a short time in the Wolseley area. After leaving school, Irene had many jobs before joining the Canadian Woman's Army (1941 to 1946) serving in Ottawa and Montreal. Upon her return Irene worked at Eaton's Catalogue before joining the Department of Defense. It was at this time she became a member of the Legion at No. 1 (Winnipeg) then No. 4 (St. James). Irene was a proud member for over 50 years receiving the special 50 year medal. In 1981 after achieving her 35 years of Government Service Irene retired. As early as elementary school, Irene showed a keen interest in Arts/Crafts and Physical Activities. She always said if they only had these two subjects at school she would have been very happy . Irene always loved drawing, do wood working and leather work of which we have many souvenirs. Besides crafts, she was active in swimming, roller skating and skiing. Throughout the years Irene belonged to many bowling leagues, the last being with the A.N.A.F. No. 283, St. James. Even after retirement Irene took up Cross County Skiing with her friends. Irene was always on the go and being FREE to do as she pleased (her own words). Irene's pride was the cottage Banavie built in 1957 at Kenbro Park near Beausejour. For over forty years the cottage was her second home. Irene liked to take her canoe and paddle up the Brokenhead River with guests or by herself to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. For the last six years Irene had lived at Tuxedo Villa. While there the Rec. Dept. made her an Honorary Volunteer . Even in her 80s Irene kept up her art and sports. If Irene was not in her room she was either at the Rec area or taking her usual walks visiting nurses or residents. The family want to thank all the staff at Tuxedo for the excellent care and kindness given to Irene. Left to remember their aunt are niece Linda (Don) Grant of Winnipeg and nephew Bob McNeil of Vancouver; also great-nephews, Jeff Grant of Calgary and Tom Grant of Winnipeg. Sadly Irene was predeceased by her parents, Clifton (1962), Agnes (1965), sister Audrey McNeil (1964) and brother-in-law Gordon McNeil (1998). A memorial reception will be held on Monday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel Lawn Reception Centre, 4000 Portage Ave. Remembrances may be made to a charity of choice or the Tuxedo Villa in Irene's memory. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2006