IRENE VIOLA GRIER

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IRENE VIOLA GRIER Our loving mother slipped away from us on Thursday evening May 26, 2011 with family at her side while in the care of the kind staff of the Emerson Personal Care Home. As the end neared she still had a smile for visitors. Left to cherish her memory are her three children Sandra (Brian) Smith, Karen (Brian) Grier and Delores McLennan as well as grandchildren; David, Diane, Angie, Kim, Monica and five great-grandchildren. Surviving her as well are her sister Loraine Seward, brothers Wayne, Ronald and Keith Spence. Mom was predeceased by three brothers Beverly, Garry and Leonard (John). Mother was born September 25, 1920 in Laura, Saskatchewan to Harry and Ethel (Scott) Spence. The family moved to Woodmore, MB to farm and her Dad passed away following an auto accident October 11, 1949 and Grandma lived her life of 96 years until January 31, 1993. Mom met and married Allan (Sandy) McLennan and they farmed near Ridgeville raising us three girls. This is where she enjoyed curling, visiting and playing cards with neighbors. Mom and Dad enjoyed their love of the outdoors with friends and often were off camping at the Whiteshell or Moose Lake trying to catch that big one. Mom and Dad took many winter trips like other snow birds to Pine to Palm in Texas. After Dad passed away in February, 1988 and Mom after spending a lonely winter on the farm purchased a home in Emerson and resided there. This is where she decided to marry Earl Grier the guy who brought her bouquets of red roses and took her for rides in the spring to see the crocuses and lady slippers. Marrying Earl brought an addition to her family with four stepchildren Wayne (Sylvia), Ron (Donna), Diane (David Scott) and Gail Hope and their families and she enjoyed the company when they visited. Earl and Mom took many holidays as well. Hawaii was one and they also travelled with friends to the States and spent winter months in BC which they both enjoyed. Mother loved reading and her books written by Daniel Steele are endless. In the earlier years you could often see Mom sitting with the knitting needles clicking away but watching Y R seemed to be a more important pastime in the later years. After Earl passed away Mom's life seemed to slow down and she lived with her daughter Karen and Brian until she moved into the Emerson Personal Care Home. Mom was a quiet but caring person and loved to have her family at her side but because of work schedules the family will never forget the fine care she received from the home care gals. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Irene's memory to the Greenridge United Church Memorial Fund if friends so desire. The memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Greenridge United Church. Vita Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 425-3114. We love you Mom. You will be missed but not forgotten.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2011