IRENE MACKENZIE (FRIESEN)

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IRENE MACKENZIE (nee FRIESEN) April 3, 1932 November 6, 2009 With heavy hearts we announce the death of Irene on November 6, 2009 at the Palliative Care Unit of St. Boniface Hospital, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Her passing provided the final release from the months of pain and debilitation and came as a blessing. Irene handled all of this with grace and dignity. Irene was predeceased by her parents, John and Lena Friesen and half-brother Peter. Remaining to honour her memory are her loving husband of 47 years Evan; son John (Jill) of Calgary; grandsons, Luke and Duncan; brother Oscar (Jackie) of New Westminster B.C.; sister-in-law Joyce Friesen of Victoria, B.C.; half brother John Wiens (Edith) of Leamington, Ontario; sister-in-law Mary Matthews (Bill) of Winnipeg; plus many nieces and nephews. Irene was born and lived her entire life in Winnipeg, She attended D.M.C.I. High School following which she worked at the T. Eaton Company for 16 years, in the fashion area. Irene golfed at the Assiniboine Golf Club for several years and really enjoyed the companionship of other members. Irene and Evan did quite a bit of traveling until Irene's health problems precluded this. She and Evan did manage to get to Paris in 2006, which was a dream come true for Irene. Irene loved gardening and had a real green thumb . She was an excellent scrabble player. Most of all she was a wonderful caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt. She had a good sense of humour and she was a joy to be with. Irene was a very classy lady. She will be missed. The family would like to thank Doctor Pat Harris and all the caring staff at both the Grace Cancer Care as well as the staff at the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit. Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Irene's wishes, there will be no public service. A private family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, ON 1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 10, 2009