IRENE MADELINE VARNES

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IRENE MADELINE VARNES On Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001, at home with her loving family by her side, Irenes 40 day journey came to a peaceful ending. She will be forever treasured and deeply missed by her husband Crawford; children, Christine (Brian), Murray (Jacqueline), and Carolyn (Doug) grandchildren, Brittine, Ariel, Zachary and Nicholas. Irene is also survived by her sisters, Godlieve (Joe), Marie, Margaret (Roger), Madeline (Robert) and Bertha (Lucien) and brothers, Cyril (Agnes), George (Lorna) and Edmond. Irene will also be fondly remembered by many relatives and good friends, especially her childhood friend, Corinne. She was predeceased by her parents, Irma and Gustaf; sisters, Alice and Irma and brother Charlie. Irene was born in Winnipeg on September 16, 1931. She was raised on the family farm (Model Dairy) in the Fort Whyte area where she spent her teen years working on the family farm. She went to work for the federal government (UIC) where she met her future husband by the water cooler. Irenes next career, and her most fulfilling, was the 12 years she spent at home raising her three children. She returned to work part-time with Safeway (Westwood) in the bakery department where her sunny disposition and helpful nature brightened many a customers day. After her retirement in 1996, Irene cherished the time she spent pursing her two passions, her grandchildren and curling. At the West Kildonan Seniors Curling Club, she made many lasting friendships and was given the nickname "Ace." Irene was also a two-time Manitoba Ladies Fencing Champion. Irenes happiest times were spent during the familys annual vacation at Clear Lake. She loved being surrounded by her family and watching her grandchildren grow. The annual trips to Clear Lake will never be the same without her but we know her spirit will be with us always. All of us who had the opportunity to spend time with Irene during her final journey experienced first hand her strength of character, courage, heart-warming smile and unyielding Catholic faith. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the "angels" on the 4th floor of the Grace Hospital for the caring and respectful manner in which they supported Irene and her family. Special thanks to Dr. D. L. Inglis for his assistance and supporting Irenes wish to spend her final days in the comfort of her home. A very special thank you to all our wonderful neighbours for all your care and compassion. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 20, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, 320 St. Charles Street, Winnipeg. A time of fellowship will follow in the Church Hall. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irenes memory to The Childrens Wish Foundation, Manitoba Chapter, 350 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 3J2 or the Rainbow Society, 302-171 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1M4. Nanny, youre an angel, With wings we cannot see, Youre always warm and caring, And fussing over me. Because we think the world of you, We wanted you to know, How very much you mean to us, And that we love you so. Lord, bless and keep her, this person you fashioned and filled with qualities that have meant so much to us. Lord, thank you for this very special friend? OUR MOTHER. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 17, 2001