RUNA MARY IRWIN (THACKERAY)

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RUNA MARY IRWIN (THACKERAY) With sadness we announce the passing of Runa Irwin on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at Fred Douglas Lodge at the age of 92 surrounded by people who loved her. Runa was born in Togo Saskatchewan September 23, 1918. She grew up as one of two children in a family where Church and her faith were very important. Her father was a United Church Minister in Rural Manitoba, spending many years in Selkirk. Her brother also became a United Church Minister serving the church primarily in Alberta. Runa's strong faith and life-long commitment to the church helped her through the many challenges she encountered in her long life. Runa was a long-time member of McClure United Church. She also actively supported Sparling United Church through her prayers, donations and attendance at events and special services. Runa married Hammond Irwin in 1949 and in 1950 their daughter Mary was born. Hammond died in 1952, leaving Runa a single mom with a young daughter. She had a varied work experience. She taught school, taught music and worked as the Secretary of Deer Lodge United Church for many years. She lived in her home on Simcoe Street for 50 years where she shoveled her own snow, tended to her yard and her cats, and kept in touch with her neighbourhood. In 2004 she moved to Lions Place. Runa loved to travel and she and her daughter Mary travelled together all over the world. She had an insatiable love of learning and attended classes at the University of Winnipeg until just a few years ago. She also loved concerts and theatre and was a season ticket holder at Manitoba Theatre Centre, Warehouse and the Symphony. With all the challenges in her life, Runa remained a very independent woman with a strong commitment to learn and try new things and a humble attitude that made all who connected with her enjoy her company and her friendship. Runa was predeceased by her husband Hammond in 1952, her daughter Mary Thompson in 1993 and her brother Bernard (Brick) Thackeray in 2010. Left to cherish her memory are her sister-in-law Lil Thackeray of Red Deer, nieces and nephews Ruth (Dale) Roedler of Carstairs, Tom Thackeray (Kathy) of St. Albert, Sandra (Alan) Quirt of Kanata, Jack MacDonald (Doreen) of Winnipeg and their families as well as her close friends Jan Burdon, Laurie Beachell and Judy McKelvey. We would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers of Fred Douglas Lodge for their excellent care and support of Runa over the last six months. Runa was a generous supporter of many charities throughout her life, always aware of and responsive to current needs both in her own community and globally. With this in mind, we ask that donations be made to the United Church of Canada, Horn of Africa Famine Relief Fund, 3250 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4. According to Runa's wishes cremation has taken place. Interment will be at Little Britain Cemetery (5879 Hwy. 9 Lockport) at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 10. A service of remembrance will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fred Douglas Lodge Chapel, 1275 Burrows Avenue.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2011