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Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
IRENE MEMKA
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Marie Angele Memka (Monney), who passed away peacefully at the Simkin Centre on March 20, 2026.
Irene will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Bob; her children, Jim (Cara) and Cheryl (Bruce); and her cherished grandchildren, Trevor, Kiera, Evan (Bri), and Paige. She is also survived by her siblings, Marcel (Doris) and Denise (Randy), and her brother-in-law, Mark.
She was predeceased by her parents, Anna Enquist (Brunel) and Camille Monney; her stepfather, Ernie; her brother, Ed; and her sister, Carol.
Irene was born and raised in St. Boniface and attended St. Joseph’s Academy. She began her career as a hairdresser and started own salon, Angel’s Coiffures. She went on to a 27-year career with Hy-Line/Vantis/Assiniboine Credit Union.
Irene was a caring, patient, and compassionate person who always had a warm smile. She saw the good in everyone and made people feel valued and loved for who they were.
She found great joy in travelling and was fortunate to visit many destinations over the years, her favourites being Phoenix, Arizona; Clearwater, Florida; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Toulouse, France. She enjoyed curling, bowling, golfing, gardening, baking, knitting, and crocheting. She loved cheering on her grandchildren at their many hockey games and dance recitals.
Above all, Irene treasured time spent with family at Falcon Lake. For nearly 60 years, countless memories were made boating, beach days, berry picking, mini golf, and evenings spent playing cards. A favourite tradition was trips for ice cream to West Hawk’s Pine Cone or Falcon’s Nest.
Irene and Bob shared a timeless love over almost 63 years of marriage, built on trust, companionship, and unwavering support. They faced life together as a team, inspiring all who knew them. Bob’s devotion to Irene was constant, as her caregiver and advocate, faithfully spending every afternoon at the Simkin Centre by her side.
The family extends sincere thanks to Nada, Mel, Kat, Hannah, and Olga, along with the dedicated support staff at the Simkin Centre, for their compassionate care for close to five years.
Someday we will see you in heaven, Irene, Mom, Gramma. We were going to ask God to take good care of you, but then we realized you will probably be the one taking care of everyone else. Love you forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gianna Beretta Roman Catholic Church, with final details to follow.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2026
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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My husband Allan worked with Bob for many years and we were pretty close in those days. Irene used to do my hair and she was such a beautiful person. We lost track of each other as the years went by and we moved to BC, but another close friend sent me an email to let me know that Irene passed away. Condolences to the family. God Bless - Posted by: Karen & Allan Staerk (Old Friends) on: Mar 24, 2026
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I have many fond memories of Mrs. Memka at the lake. She was a beautiful, kind soul and she will be missed. Our sincere condolences to Mr. Memka, Jim, Cheryl and all the family. - Posted by: Stacey and Brad Erlendson (Neighbor at Falcon Lake) on: Mar 23, 2026
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Memka family I am sending my deepest condolences to all of you. - Posted by: Shawna (Lake friend) on: Mar 22, 2026
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I was hired by Irene at Hy-Line in 2001. She was kind, patient & above all very professional. I will always remember her smile to this day. I am so very sorry to hear about her passing and sent my condolences to Bob & all the family at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Georgina Jones (employee of Hy-Line, Vantis, Assiniboine) on: Mar 21, 2026
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Bob and family Our sincere sympathy . So many memories, while we were young and old ,we're going to miss her. Her smile, she sure planned a lot of parties for us. She was always a great hostess, she always greeted you with such joy you always felt very welcomed in her space. Bob & Lilliane - Posted by: Lilliane Bridges (Thorimbert) (cousin) on: Mar 21, 2026
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We are old friends from years ago. We golfed, wined and dined and enjoyed her company very much. Always wanted to have fun and enjoy life We moved away and lost contact. - Posted by: Darlene and Paul Fillion (Old friends) on: Mar 21, 2026