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IRIS REECE TOUGAS Obituary pic

IRIS REECE TOUGAS

Date of Passing: Apr 13, 2015

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IRIS REECE TOUGAS Peacefully, on April 13 2015, Iris Ann Reece Tougas passed away at the age of 64. Iris was predeceased by her parents, Ernie and Emma Cornelssen, and by her former husbands, Phil Reece and Laurie Tougas. She is survived by her children, David (Kathy) and Sarah (Kyle), grandchildren Evelia and Sadie, siblings Paula (Jack), Max (Denise) and Catherine (Declan), several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. Iris was born and raised in Stettler, Alberta. It was while growing up on the farm that Iris learned the importance of hard work and loyalty, two values she demonstrated her entire life. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (English) from the University of Alberta in 1971. It was at university that she met Phil, and they married in Winnipeg in 1970. They raised their two children in St. Vital, and spent the years taking family trips and hosting pool parties at their home. Iris and Phil separated in 1994, and remained friends until Phil's passing in 2010. In 1995 Iris met Laurie Tougas and they married in 2004. They enjoyed many happy years together, including lots of good times at their cottage in Gimli. They maintained a close, loving friendship after parting ways in 2007. Iris began her career in the Admissions department at the University of Manitoba in 1977. She worked as an Admissions Officer before developing the successful department of Student Recruitment, for which she travelled extensively around the world. She later returned to the Admissions department and served as Director of Admissions until her retirement in 2013. Iris spent her short retirement pursuing her interests, including photography, travelling, yoga and bridge. She led a full, active life and was looking forward to many summers at the cottage with her family. Iris was a devoted mom, granny, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her, most especially her beloved children and grand-daughters. Iris was a generous, funny, brilliant woman who was full of life and courage up to the end. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion and joy. We will miss you, Mom. Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Road United Church, 613 St. Mary's Road.
Publish Date: Apr 18, 2015

IRIS REECE TOUGAS Peacefully, on April 13 2015, Iris Ann Reece Tougas passed away at the age of 64. Iris was predeceased by her parents, Ernie and Emma Cornelssen, and by her former husbands, Phil Reece and Laurie Tougas. She is survived by her children, David (Kathy) and Sarah (Kyle), grandchildren Evelia and Sadie, siblings Paula (Jack), Max (Denise) and Catherine (Declan), several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. Iris was born and raised in Stettler, Alberta. It was while growing up on the farm that Iris learned the importance of hard work and loyalty, two values she demonstrated her entire life. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (English) from the University of Alberta in 1971. It was at university that she met Phil, and they married in Winnipeg in 1970. They raised their two children in St. Vital, and spent the years taking family trips and hosting pool parties at their home. Iris and Phil separated in 1994, and remained friends until Phil's passing in 2010. In 1995 Iris met Laurie Tougas and they married in 2004. They enjoyed many happy years together, including lots of good times at their cottage in Gimli. They maintained a close, loving friendship after parting ways in 2007. Iris began her career in the Admissions department at the University of Manitoba in 1977. She worked as an Admissions Officer before developing the successful department of Student Recruitment, for which she travelled extensively around the world. She later returned to the Admissions department and served as Director of Admissions until her retirement in 2013. Iris spent her short retirement pursuing her interests, including photography, travelling, yoga and bridge. She led a full, active life and was looking forward to many summers at the cottage with her family. Iris was a devoted mom, granny, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her, most especially her beloved children and grand-daughters. Iris was a generous, funny, brilliant woman who was full of life and courage up to the end. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion and joy. We will miss you, Mom. Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Road United Church, 613 St. Mary's Road.
Publish Date: Apr 16, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2015

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

  • I was saddened to read about Iris's passing. When I began counseling at the high school level fifteen years ago, I heard Iris's presentation from the Admissions Department at the U of M, and she became my "go to" person when I had any questions. She always seemed happy to hear from me and she knew the answer to every question. Smart. Respectful. Funny. Though I was certainly on the periphery of her life, I benefited greatly from her expertise. She struck me as someone who loved her work and every other part of her life. What a loss. My condolences to her family and close friends. - Posted by: Sharon Doerksen () on: Apr 22, 2015

  • Dear family, We are saddened to learn of Iris's passing. She was such a kind, loving person. Ed and Barb Labossiere - Posted by: Ed Labossiere (acquaintance) on: Apr 22, 2015

  • I consider myself SO fortunate to have known Iris. I met her when we sat on our condo board together, and I considered her a friend from the start. Oh my goodness we laughed and laughed when we all got together. I will miss her forever. With much love to the family, JJ - Posted by: Jacqueline Jasinski (friend and neighbour) on: Apr 22, 2015

  • A rare and wonderful soul..... That was Iris! I met her through Suzanne Thomas and though I only knew her a short time I loved her immediately......she beamed when she smiled and had that twinkle in her eye. She was a kindred spirit to so many and up for anything that brought joy to those around her. We will miss you forever dear friend...... Love Lorraine Hay - Posted by: Lorraine Hay (Friend) on: Apr 22, 2015

  • I met Iris during a very dark time in my life in March 2010. Her persistent joy and gentleness brought much healing to me over the years and we shared a lot of laughs. I can't believe she's gone. I was just getting ready to call her for a coffee date when I heard of her passing. I'm glad it was peaceful, but it was way too soon. - Posted by: Lynne C. Martin (friend and BE buddy) on: Apr 21, 2015

  • To Iris: I once read that the Ancient Egyptians believed that when it comes our time to leave this life there are only 2 sentiments that matter; "Did you bring joy?” and "Did you find joy?” That Iris brought joy and found joy one can see by looking at her family. May this sentiment carry you, when the time is of your choosing, to continue on to the next path in your journey. Until then may your family and children be filled with the sweet remembrances of only the best of times and may their nights be visited with sweet dreams of the love and life you shared with them. - Posted by: Nadja Fernando () on: Apr 18, 2015

  • I met Iris many, many years ago, when I was working as an Admissions Officer at the U of M. We shared many good times as colleagues and friends, but sadly fell out of touch when I moved away from Winnipeg in 1986. I was overjoyed to reconnect with Iris at a mutual friend's book launch in late November, 2014. She told me at that time how she had never forgotten my advice to her, way back in the early days at U of M, to never let it be known that she could type. I had forgotten that myself, but I feel strongly that Iris would have accomplished the many achievements she did, regardless of whether anyone knew she could type. Profoundest condolences to her friends and family. Iris and I cuaght up further by email after that meeting on a frigid November day in the 'Peg. It was clear from her emails that she took the greatest joy imaginable in her children and grandchildren, and that she was a very happy camper indeed at that point in her life. - Posted by: Catherine Morrison (Old friend and colleague) on: Apr 17, 2015

  • So sorry to hear about the passing of an amazing woman who touched my heart at the BE Retreat when life was its lowest... Iris may you fly with the Angels and may the wind be beneath your wings...Thank You for making a difference in my life. - Posted by: Kelly Pereux (BE Friend) on: Apr 16, 2015

  • I was shocked to hear that Iris was so ill and prayed that she might recover. On her passing I was deeply saddened and thought of all she did for my late wife Kathie Kaye in the preparation of that memorial tree. Instead of accepting gifts at her retirement, funds were contributed to the purchase and placement of an evergreen tree, the ceremony only a few months ago. Iris, you were such a loving friend and colleague to Kathie and I rather think that the two of you are again together, friends forever. May you Rest in Peace. - Posted by: John E. Kaye (Friend for over 40 years) on: Apr 16, 2015

  • I met Iris in September of 2010; in the weeks and months following, she became someone I would look to as my "guardian angel". Such a gracious, caring individual and so full of compassion for others. How very fortunate and grateful I am for Iris having been in my life. - Posted by: Shelley Ryland (friend) on: Apr 16, 2015

  • It was a pleasure allowing us to be your friend. Rest in peace Iris. - Posted by: John & Helena Evans (Friend) on: Apr 16, 2015

  • My thoughts are with her loving family and I remember her devotion to them was complete. We met at Red River College in the mid 1990's and had a lot of fun being project buddies. She was a mentor to me when I was in a career crossroads and she gave me the confidence to tackle a new career path. I will be forever grateful to her for that and have thought of her often over the years. I owe her so much due to her kindness and encouragement. - Posted by: Jan B. (Friend) on: Apr 16, 2015

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