IRENE MARGARET VAN DEVENTER

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IRENE MARGARET VAN DEVENTER It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother and friend Irene Van Deventer, at the age of 82 years, on Friday, September 6, 2002 at Grace Hospital, following a courageous battle with Leukemia. She is survived by her only daughter, Maureen (Marc) Cure; grandsons, Jay, Wesley, and Tyler; brother Harvey (June) of BC; brother-in-law Hartman; sisters-in-law, Marie and Kay; numerous nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, Elsie and Daniel McKinnon, and her husband James (Jay). Irene began her career with CN Telecommunication. In June 1954, she married Jay and they moved to Port Arthur, ON. In 1962, they returned to Winnipeg taking up residence in Charleswood. From 1966 to 1986, Irene was employed as an Administrative Secretary with Assiniboine South School Division No. 3. The majority of this time was at Royal School. During her tenure there she was instrumental in unionizing secretarial/library staff in the division. Retiring at age 66, Irene could not resist the challenge of business and in 1993 started her own demo company: Van Ds Promotions. She employed numerous staff over the years and remained active in the business up until the time of her passing. Born into Odd Fellowship, following in her mother and grandparents footsteps, Irene became a dedicated Rebekah. She joined Florence Nightingale Lodge No. 21 in 1937 and transferred to Elizabeth Rebekah Lodge No. 52 (Charleswood) in 1977. She served as Nobel Grand and Provincial President of the Assembly of Manitoba. During her term as President, the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Memorial Eye Foundation was formed and Irene served for 32 years as secretary of the committee, resigning the position in 2001 only due to failing health. On March 18, 1977 Irene received the Meritorious Service Award for her work with the Eye Foundation. She was also recognized for her dedicated work with the Foundation by a nomination for the Hugh J. Bradley Certificate of Participation on behalf of Vision Care. Irene leaves numerous Sisters and Brothers within the Order with vast memories of her 65 years of service. She will be greatly missed. Irenes funeral and Rebekah service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 11 in the Deer Lodge United Church, 2093 Portage Ave. at Belvidere. Many thanks to all at CancerCare Manitoba, with special thanks to Dr. C. Moltzan, for her care and compassion these past two years, Palliative Care, especially Louise, and to the staff of the Grace Hospital for their care during Moms final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Memorial Eye Foundation, in care of Box 1514, Stonewall, MB, R0C 2Z0 or CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9. WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2002