- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
IRENE GLENNE MILNE (MCCLELLAND)
Born: Nov 24, 1919
Date of Passing: Jan 20, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
IRENE GLENNE MILNE
(nee McClelland)
November 24, 1919 - December 20, 2021
With immense gratitude for a life fully lived, the family of Irene Milne announces her passing on December 20, 2021 at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.
She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her four children, Marilyn Sime (Ken) of Winnipeg, Kathy Wiese (Ken) of Hallock, Minnesota, Eleanor Thompson (Dudley) of Winnipeg, and Robert Milne (Joanne) of Emerson, as well as 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Irene also leaves to mourn two sisters, Genevieve Manikel of Winnipeg and Margaret England of California, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Irene was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Ian Milne; by sisters, Ruth Milne and Bernice Bedsworth; brothers, George McClelland and Lorne McClelland; and by her parents, Tom and Ella McClelland.
Irene and Ian were married on June 15, 1940 and lived and farmed in the Emerson-Marais district for 65 years. They were able to remain in their home on the farm until 2005 when they moved to an assisted living facility in Winnipeg. Irene had a special talent for music and studied formally in her local community and then at St. Mary's Academy in Winnipeg where she completed examinations to become a registered music teacher, receiving the Associate of the Toronto Conservatory of Music (A.T.C.M.) Diploma in 1939. She started playing the pump organ at Aux Marais Methodist-United Church, close to her parental home, at the age of 11 when her feet could barely reach the pedals. As Irene and Ian raised their family and farmed, they were fully engaged in the life of the Emerson-Marais community where they formed lifelong friendships. Irene was instrumental in organizing the Post Road Heritage Group that is still active today and served on many committees in southern Manitoba that worked for the preservation of local history. She and Ian were also active members of St. Andrew's United Church in Emerson and the church was a central part of Irene's life, whether it was teaching young people, attending study groups, welcoming new ministers, or participating in outreach work. Irene was organist at St. Andrew's United for over 40 years. She taught music for many years and was honoured to have played for hundreds of weddings, funerals, church and community choirs and social events in the Emerson district. Irene was a trained classical pianist and accompanist who loved playing Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy but could also play anything by ear and could transpose to any key without missing a beat. Her remarkable gift of music was a source of inspiration and solace to her family and to all who knew and loved her. She shared this gift with others over her entire lifetime with grace, humility, and endless joy. When she and Ian moved to Dakota House, Irene accompanied the seniors' choir for 12 years prior to her move to Meadowood Manor where she continued to play to the delight of the residents and many of the staff right up until two weeks before her death at the age of 102.
We cherish Mom's love and respect for people and for life, her determination and resilience, her sense of fun and humour, her practicality, her deep faith, and her belief that change and equality for all are possible if we work together. Her love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, for her extended family and community knew no bounds. Her passion for music, for history, for social justice, and for the power of shared community will live in our hearts forever.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful first responders and ambulance personnel and the compassionate and competent medical staff at Grace Hospital for your exceptional care of our beloved Mom.
In keeping with Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Irene's life will be held at a later time. We invite family and friends to sign a book of condolence online at www.neilbardalinc.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory can be made to the Post Road Heritage Group, Box 71, Emerson, Manitoba ROA OLO, or St. Andrew's United Church, Box 127, Emerson, ROA OLO or a charity of your choice.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 15, 2022
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
-
Time goes on, Years go by, However, Precious Memories Never Die! -Author Unknown Sending Love, and your in my prayers of comfort and peace to your entire family! Xoxo!! Patti - Posted by: Patti Wandowich (Friend ) on: Apr 26, 2022
-
What a beautiful lady Irene has been to raise her beautiful daughter Eleanor. I remember the flood in 1997 when I brought a car load of people and we helped filling sand bags saving her home from the flood working side-by-side with the army. Irene was fluttering around like a butterfly always ensuring everyone had water and was being fed. On Irene's milestone 90th Birthday, I wanted to surprise her with her Scottish heritage and brought a piper to play a couple of melodies and she knew exactly what they were and hummed to each of them! It was so wonderful to watch how lively she became and how she loved this music which I am sure brought back many beautiful memories for her! Irene was a beautiful, humble lady who was full of love to share with everyone she knew. My deepest condolences to Eleanor and her family for the loss of this beautiful lady. Creator has received a special angel who will play for him for all eternity! Rest in peace Irene and may you be flying in the fields in Emerson with the butterflies! Lotsa love and hugs xoxo - Haven - Posted by: Haven Stumpf (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2022
-
During my time as a nurse at Meadowood, I always delighted in hearing Irene play the piano. My favourite that she played was ‘We’ll meet again’, and I think of her every time I hear it. Sending my love to Irene’s family as you mourn her loss. What an incredible, incredible woman. I’m thankful to have met her and been touched by her gifts of music and enthusiasm for life❤️ - Posted by: Jenn Lambert (Former nurse) on: Apr 06, 2022
-
Condolences to the family of Irene. I was so fortunate to have been able to meet Irene and Ian. What a gracious lady Irene was. She will be remembered in years to come as a big part of the McClelland clan. She was a great contributor to the family tree. - Posted by: Valerie McClelland Anderson (cousin) on: Jan 18, 2022
-
Irene and Ian were wonderful accepting people who had caring hearts. Irene played piano at my late husband’s funeral and that was much appreciated. Irene will be missed by all who knew her. My condolences to all her family. - Posted by: Joyce Dayton (Friend ) on: Jan 17, 2022
-
Tom let me know about Irene’s passing. I was sorry to hear but Wow! 102 and to be able to play the piano near the end. Irene was a wonderful, soft spoken and kind person. I have so many fond memories, especially being caught out at the farm due to bad weather and sleeping overnight. Never bothered Irene and we were always fed! Thinking of you all. Take care. Barb and Jim Joseph - Posted by: Barb Joseph(Forrest) (Family friend) on: Jan 16, 2022
-
Geoff and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Milne family. We have many memories of times together, both in Emerson and at Dakota House. My Dad and Irene shared a love of piano playing! - Posted by: Lynda Dean nee Milne (relative) on: Jan 16, 2022
-
MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT ROB AND JOANNE AND IMMEDIATE FAMILY IN LOSS OF ROB'S MOTHER. SHE WAS A VERY KIND PERSON. WHENEVER WE TAKE TIME TO VISIT EACH OTHER SHE ALWAYS HAD A KEEN INTEREST IN HOW LIFE WITH ME WAS GOING. REACHING OVER THE AGE OF 100 IS GREAT MILESTONE. - Posted by: GARY KROEKER (FRIENDS.) on: Jan 15, 2022
-
Dear Marilyn, Kathy, Eleanor, Robert & Family, With sincere condolences on the passing of your dear Mother, Grandmother & GG - a truly lovely lady. I remember, with such fondness, my grandparents (David & Jessie Milne) and aunt (Shirley Milne) taking us, as children, to visit the farm in Emerson. Always a wonderful welcome and an amazing lunch. She was so sweet - a beautiful disposition. Certainly, our loss is heaven's gain . . . RIP and may God hold you in the palm of his hand. - Posted by: Lois Middleton (nee Woodcock) (Granddaughter Of A Family Member) on: Jan 15, 2022
-
Our condolences to the Milne family. I was a mechanic in Dominion City and spent many hours at the farm. Was always welcome after the job to come in and have a coffee or water and something to eat. - Posted by: Herman Ballast (just a mechanic repairing at their farm) on: Jan 15, 2022
Email Alerts
Sign up for free email alerts of new obituaries for specific people, towns & more.
