IRENE HENRIETTA DIRKS -

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IRENE HENRIETTA DIRKS 1928 - 2007 With sadness we announce the passing of Irene Henrietta Dirks on Monday, January 15, 2007 at Bethania Care Centre at the age of 78. Irene was born in Winnipeg on October 25, 1928. Her early childhood was spent in Arnaud, MB where her father was a school teacher during the Depression. In 1941, the family moved to Winnipeg where Irene attended John Pritchard School (formerly Lord Kitchener). Her high school years included Lord Selkirk School, Mennonite Brethren Collegiate and United College Collegiate. Following high school graduation, she attended Teachers College and began her teaching career of over 25 years. She taught at John Pritchard School and several other schools in the city of Winnipeg. She was a teacher well-liked by both students and staff. Her musical gifts resulted in many successful choir competitions in the Music Festivals. During her teaching years, Irene pursued her university education, earning her B.A. and B.Ed., to maintain a high standard of teaching. Irene enjoyed travelling and went to countries like Germany, Great Britain, Spain and Japan. She also enjoyed photography and ceramics. In 1974 she was injured in a traffic accident which incapacitated her walking ability. Through the years she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She experienced gradual deterioration and became more disabled where she required home care to her apartment several times a day. Due to her limited capacitates, she purchased a scooter, which gave her freedom to travel from her apartment. It wasn't surprising to see her scooting along Henderson Highway going about her daily chores to the bank, supermarket or even a restaurant. In 1993 she married Eckart Dyck whose untimely death occurred in 1996. As Irene's disability advanced, she moved into Bethania Care Home in 2001. Bethania became her home and she decorated her room with her favourite photos and memorabilia. She loved her family, and took great pride in their accomplishments and appreciated their love and friendship. Irene loved music, playing the piano and also the French Horn in the High School Symphony. Her alto voice was always a great asset to that section. She loved attending symphony concerts, keeping abreast of the world's great singers and listening to their recordings. As a child, Irene attended Canadian Sunday School Mission Camp. While in high school, she accepted the Lord as her Saviour following a sermon by Rev. J.B. Toews. She was a member of the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, and was grateful for the many visits by the pastoral staff, while at Bethania Care Home. Irene was predeceased by her brother Henry and her sister-in-law Margaret this past year. She is survived by her siblings, Victor, Neil (Laurette), Elisabeth, John (Fay), Rosemarie (Arnold), Marguerite (Rudolf) and her sister-in-law Betty Dirks. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Bethania Care Centre for the wonderful, patient and compassionate care. They also express thanks to the many relatives and friends who faithfully visited and attended to her needs. Special mention goes to her caregiver, Linda Bergen and her cousin Elfrieda Balzer. Viewing will be held Thursday, January 18 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main St. Private interment will be held at Brookside Cemetery with memorial service following at Bethania Personal Care Home Chapel, 1045 Concordia Ave. on Friday, January 19 at 1:00 p.m. with Roland Marsh and Gerhard Friesen officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethania Care Home. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 2146 Main Street 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2007