IRENE HELEN ENGEL

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IRENE HELEN ENGEL Died peacefully on February 15, 2005 at her home in Victoria, B.C., with her loving and caring older sister Violet faithfully by her side. Irene fought a courageous battle against cancer for which she had extensive surgery 13 months ago. She was predeceased by her parents Michael in 1974 and Mary Katherine in 1970, her sister Agnes in 1931, her brothers Adam (Annie) of Steinbach, MB in 1996, Alphonse (Stella) of Victoria, B.C., in 2000 and Gordon (Joyce) also of Victoria in 2002. She is survived by her sisters Emma Herman and Lillian Herman, both of Yorkton, SK and Violet (Larry Lakey) of Winnipeg, her brothers Edmund (Vera) of Camrose, AB, Roland (Doris) and George (Betty), both of Winnipeg, besides many nieces, nephews and their extended families. The 10th of 11 children, Irene was born at Rhein, SK on January 3, 1935 and attended school there. She accompanied her parents when they moved to Winnipeg in 1955 and worked at the family business (Atomic Transfer) for several years. She joined her parents again after they retired to Victoria in 1965. She served as their primary caregiver until their deaths. An intensely private and fiercely independent person, Irene nevertheless loved and enjoyed belonging to large extended family to whom she would extend her hospitality whenever they would come to Victoria for a visit. Never comfortable driving a car, Irene learned to love walking everywhere, especially in The Bog behind her beloved Royal Oak condominium where she lived for nearly the past five years. Irene had a gift for listening to people and taking a genuine interest in them that allowed them to be who they really are in her presence. We will miss Irene, truly one of God's special friends, now finally at peace and rest. The rest of the family would like to thank especially Irene's sister Violet Lakey for her loving and almost constant presence with Irene these past 13 months. We would also like to thank Joyce Engel for so generously filling in and helping out wherever and whenever she could, particularly with the driving to and from the hospital, groceries, etc. in spite of many other demands and responsibilities. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the professional assistance of the Victoria Hospice and the compassion they showed Irene. Cremation has taken place with the interment of ashes in her parents plot at Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery, Rhein, Saskatchewan to occur at a later date. For those who so desire, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Victoria Hospice or to a charity of your choice in memory of Irene. Eternal rest grant unto your servant, Irene Helen, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon her.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2005