IRENE ALICE GRAY

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IRENE ALICE GRAY (nee Defoort) Peacefully with her family at her side, Irene passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at the age of 82 years. She leaves to cherish her memory, son Brian Gray; daughter Sharon Balasko and husband Rick; four grandchildren, Jason, Kristin, Laura and Allison; brothers, Harry and Roger (Annette) Defoort; sisters-in-law Dolly Thorvaldson and Marge Gray; special nieces and nephews, as well as numerous friends and neighbours. Mom was predeceased by husband Vernon, parents Arthur and Margaret, sisters-in-law Kay and Lenore, brother Albert and brothers-in-law Carl, Walter and Ernie. Irene was born on March 16, 1929, and grew up on a farm near MacGregor, Manitoba. As a young adult, she moved to Selkirk, Manitoba where she was married and became a mother. Irene worked in a variety of positions throughout her life, including North American Lumber, Cliff's Tomboy, Mac's Milk, and V.O.N Home Care Services. Irene was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and took great pride in all their achievements. In her earlier years she loved to garden and knit. In her later years she enjoyed her outings with the South YMCA-YWCA Seniors Day Program and faithfully watched the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on television. Special thanks to all the staff of Unit 4E St. Boniface Hospital for your loving care and support, especially in the past couple of weeks. A celebration of Mom's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, in Windsor Park United Church, 1062 Autumnwood Dr., with Rev. Dr. Sharon Wilson officiating. Service will terminate at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory may be made to South YMCA-YWCA Seniors Day Program, 5 Fermor Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2M 0Y1, in care of Jackie Friesen or Joan Walker. Mom, God put you here to love, teach and guide us; you did your job so very well with unending care and devotion. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 19, 2011