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IRENE (RENE) DAY
Born: Oct 31, 1928
Date of Passing: Feb 05, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
IRENE (RENE) DAY
October 31, 1928 - February 5, 2022
It is with so much love, gratitude and admiration that I write this celebration of Mom's life. She has been my best friend my entire life and although I am heartbroken to see her go, I am comforted that she passed peacefully while I held her hand. Those who knew and loved her all spoke of her as a beautiful soul, fun loving with a bit of spice and the epitome of grace, class, and kindness. She had a terrific sense of humour although, hopeless at telling jokes so I come by that honestly. Growing up, parties at our house always ended up with my friends upstairs enjoying time with Mom. She truly was everyone's friend.
Left to celebrate Mom's life are my husband, Brian Baizley, her favourite son-in-law (although he did have to remind her from time to time), myself Janice Day, and her special friend Art, as well as her family in England including niece Anne (Len) Pateman, nephews, Barry (Marie) Lamb and Michael (Christine) Lamb, and niece and nephew on my Dad's side Natalie (Nick) Ringwood and Lawrence (Jo) Day and their respective families.
She loved her adopted family, Amy (Darren) and Jeff (Arlette), and took tremendous pride in being G.G. Rene to her great grandchildren, Carter, Peyton and Aryka.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ron Day, her parents, Harry and Maggie Smith, and sister Vera Lamb.
Mom, Dad and I came to Canada from England in 1960 leaving her family behind which was devastating to her. She struggled for the first few years not knowing anyone and being as shy as she was but soon grew to love Canada and all the friends she made along the way.
Prior to coming to Canada, she worked at a large Insurance Company in London. A few years after arriving in Canada, she was hired as an Avon Lady traipsing through the snow in the cold lugging her huge bags of samples. She was so terribly nervous knocking on those first few doors but soon came to love it! It was a great way to meet all her neighbours...many "stay at home" moms in those days. She later turned down a promotion as regional manager for Avon as her priority and joy was always being a mom first. This did, however, give her a bit of confidence and independence. She then worked for several temp agencies on many different assignments which often ended up in a job offer by the employer. Later, she worked in the float pool at the Health Sciences Centre and was often assigned work in Human Resources with me.... I was so proud of her and everyone adored her. In her later years, she worked part time as Sales Consultant for One Stop Wedding Service and was later promoted to bookkeeper for Southern Rose Wedding Service and Adventures for Singles all owned by the same employer who, over the years, became her friend. He eventually let her retire in her 70's.
She spent most of her early years helping Dad with all his renovation projects including building a cottage at the lake on weekends over seven years. She truly was his assistant and made him the luckiest man to have such a beautiful person and dedicated partner all those years. Together, they enjoyed many trips, mainly to Florida in the winter.
Mom was very artistic and took various art classes creating beautiful paintings and drawings, many of which adorn the walls of our home today.
After Dad's passing in 2012, it became "her time". She moved into her new apartment, chose her own furniture and bought a little car. She joined Brian and I on many trips, Mexico being her favourite place ever. She was always so appreciative and happy.... such a pleasure to be with. She started dating Art in her mid-80's with whom she shared many happy times. At 90 she amazed us all and set a record as the oldest woman in Manitoba to go zip lining. We had to join her just so she didn't show us up. We are so grateful to Linda Millar, her friend across the hall, and Debbie Morrison, who both looked out for her and enabled her to stay in her apartment (her pride and joy and her happy place) for as long as possible.
We are also immensely grateful for the exceptional care provided by the staff at West Park Manor these past three years especially during the devastating wrath of covid. We are forever indebted to them for the compassion and kindness they have shown to my mom and her family. A special thanks to her nurse Brenda who could work magic and always bring my mom back from her lowest points. I truly wish I could list all the staff here especially those who worked directly or indirectly on 2N.
A special thanks also, to my husband Brian for giving my mom so much joy over the past 28 years. I think Brian really might have been her favourite.
In compliance with my mom's wishes, there will be no funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made (in memory of Irene Day) to West Park Manor, 3199 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3R 1X2 or (204) 889-3330 or to a charity of one's choice and would be gratefully appreciated.
"Mom, you will be forever missed and forever loved!"
"Fly High Beautiful Lady"
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2022
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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I know this is not timely but I wanted to pay my respects to your mom once I found out about her passing. I have fond memories of her and Mr. Day (still cannot use first names - shows my age!) on Colonial Court. I remember Suki (did I spell that right?) the poodle and the laughs my parents shared across the fence. Did she ever tell you story of the shared dream of the little girl in white she and mom had?!! I remember visiting the cottage when it was being built. It was the most amazing cottage I had ever seen at the time. There was scaffolding everywhere! My parents were very sad the day they moved from Colonial Court. Your mom’s “accent” and laugh are what I remember most. Thank you for sharing such loving memories of her life. You are indeed fortunate to have had such a long and wonderful friendship. - Posted by: Debra Solmundson (Corrigal) (Neighbour) on: Jun 20, 2022
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Dear Janice -- an addendum to my earlier note: my mother Mavis passed away on Feb 25. Her health had been declining over the past 3 years. Frankie Egan - Posted by: Frances Egan (family friend) on: Feb 28, 2022
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Dear Janice, I was saddened to learn of your mother’s passing. Though I hadn’t seen her for years I can still hear her delightful laugh. Rene and Mavis were such great friends and our parents had many wonderful times together. Our deepest sympathy. Frankie Egan, on behalf of Mavis and the Egan family (originally posted on 2/13 on Wojcik Funeral Home website) - Posted by: Frances Egan (family friend) on: Feb 28, 2022
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I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She had a beautiful gentle soul. A warm smile and carried herself with elegance. Her spirit and heart lives on in you Janice , because you are the same. Her eyes lit up every time your name was mentioned and she would look at the pictures in her room. It was a blessing to have been a small part of her life. Rosemarie - Posted by: Rosemarie Munroe (Nurse) on: Feb 17, 2022
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Janice and Brian I am sorry for your loss! I treasure memories of my time spent with Rene. She was a very special lady and I miss her. What a beautiful tribute you have written to your mom! Love and hugs! - Posted by: Debbie Morrison (Friend) on: Feb 14, 2022
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Janice we are so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful tribute to Rene . She will be remembered by many as she touched so many lives . Brenda and Ed - Posted by: Brenda Ritsema (Friend) on: Feb 14, 2022
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Dear Janice, I was very saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful mother, Rene. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Janis Douville (Achron) (old neighbour/friend) on: Feb 13, 2022
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Dearest Janice and family, Please accept my sincerest condolences on the recent passing of your beloved mother. As a child living directly across the street from you on Colonial Court, I spent many hours at your home babysitting you and just being your friend. Your mother was the sweetest and kindest lady ever, always welcoming me in your home with open arms. She was a beautiful soul inside and out. Both your parents were lovely people, salt of the earth, and I consider myself very fortunate to have known them, and you. My thoughts are with you at this most sad and difficult time. - Posted by: Allyson Woroniak (Achron) (old neighbour/friend) on: Feb 13, 2022
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How lucky have I been in life to of had such a beautiful soul as my Auntie. So much love for such a kind and loving person with a generous heart. Her family were her life and Janice is an extension of her love. In many peoples world she turned black and white into colour and my life has certainly been all the better for being privileged to be a part of her world. I loved you very much and always will. Now It’s our time to share you with those who have gone before you and waited so long to be reunited. We will all miss you and you will always be a topic of loving conversation in our homes. Sleep well beautiful lady 💕💕 xxxx - Posted by: Natalie Ringwood (Niece) on: Feb 13, 2022
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Thinking of you Janice during this very sad time. May the closeness that you and your mom shared and the memories that you made be forever in your heart. She was a wonderful soul and I know how much she meant to Art. You and Brian are in my thoughts. - Posted by: Peggy Poole (Friend ) on: Feb 13, 2022
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Rene was my mother Vera’s sister, whom I adored. I was one of her bridesmaids at her and Ron’s wedding at the age of 3 years. I still remember us all at my grandparents house and me in my long pale blue dress. I felt like a princess. I saw them constantly for 16 years and in the early days they arrived on their motorbike. Rene was so glamorous, kind, fun, generous and It was such a treat to go and stay with them on my own. Janice was born when I was 13 years old, a very much wanted child, and a delight to us all. Sadly this all changed 3 years later when they emigrated to Canada in 1960 which left a big hole in our lives, especially my mums, and had only just got to know Janice. Despite the distance we were always in touch by letters, phone calls, and visits and the bond remained. I always felt I was on the same wave length as Rene. The last time I saw her I went on my own to see her - Ron was in the Care Home - and we had a wonderful time going out for meals, seeing Janice, Brian and Ron, and talking for England. I’m so pleased we had that special time together. Rene will always have a special place, not only in my heart, but in the hearts of my husband Len and my sons Richard and Matthew. We all love you dearest Rene. 💕 - Posted by: Annette Pateman (Niece) on: Feb 13, 2022
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Your mom was a rock star. We are so fortunate that her some of her stars fell on our two wonderful friends. Her love and kindness shines from both of you. Our sympathy’s go out to you both. You are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Dick and Diane Zahorik (Friends) on: Feb 12, 2022
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No love on earth can ever compare to a mothers special love. May the love you shared with your mother in your heart, bringing you comfort and lasting peace. Marsden and Edna Edwards, Eric and Naomi - Posted by: Edna Edwards (ex-co-worker) on: Feb 12, 2022
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My deepest sympathy on the loss or your Mom, Janice. I did not get a chance to meet Irene, but having read your beautiful tribute, I feel like knew her. You had a very special bond. - Posted by: Ginny Brown (Friend ) on: Feb 12, 2022
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Please accept our sympathy on the death of your mother. It is very difficult to lose your mother at any age. The obituary was beautifully written. Your Mom sounded like a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with you, Wayne and Dawn - Posted by: Wayne and Dawn Byron (friend and co-worker) on: Feb 12, 2022
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Our heartfelt condolences, we are so sorry to hear the passing of your mum. To me she was always so dignified, a gentle soul without a question. Your written celebration is a beautifully composed testament to her legacy as a parent, friend, colleague and just someone who existed within her community. This generation of woman needs to be recognized for their contributions that effected change during the compelling era that was present in the 70's where women needed to walk a confident frontier. Sounds like she did. Hope you and Brian are well, our thoughts, both Roger and I are with you at this time. - Posted by: Robert and Roger (Childhood friend) on: Feb 12, 2022
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