Irene Irwin

Irene Irwin

(nee Hajlasz)

Peacefully on Friday, October 26, 2012, Irene Irwin passed away at the Douglas Campbell Lodge at the age of 79 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband Clayton Irwin of Portage la Prairie; daughter Shannon, Terry Spence (grandchildren Jacquelyn and Kevin) all of Flin Flon, MB; daughter Cheryl , Dan Chauvin ( granddaughter Kylie) all of London, ON; Rhonda, Wesley Hannah (grandchildren Brett, Sheldon, Kohl and Kierra) all of Portage la Prairie; brother Sigmund Hajlasz of Watson, Sask.; brothers-in-law Keith (Joyce) Irwin and Barry Irwin; along with numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Irene was predeceased by her parents Stefan and Maria Hajlasz; father and mother-in-law Art and Lorna Irwin; siblings Michael Hajlasz (infant), Louise Hajlasz, Frank Hajlasz and Pauline McGill and brother-in-law Wayne McGill.

Irene was born in Busk, Poland on March 26, 1933 where she lived till the age of 4 before coming to Canada with her family. They settled in Watson, Saskatchewan on a farm originally settled by her grandfather. Irene went to school in Watson, completing her high school at a convent in Prud'homme, Saskatchewan. She furthered her education in Winnipeg attending Teacher's College while working as a cashier at Safeway.

Over the years, she taught at Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, and in Manitoba at Overhill, West Nairn, East & West Prospect and Prince Charles Schools. While teaching at Nairn School, she met Clayton Irwin and they were later married on October 10, 1959 at St. John's Catholic Church. In the years to follow, Irene and Clayton raised three daughters while she substituted in various Portage schools. We also can't forget the 30 plus years she spent selling Amway, in and around the Portage area.

Irene was always giving to her family and others close to her heart. Whether babysitting, lending a hand or canvassing, she was always willing to help at any expense. Irene was talented when it came to sewing, knitting, crocheting, renovations and gardening and later in life could be seen at McDonald's enjoying a cup of coffee with friends during her free time. She was also an active member of the Catholic Church all her life and served with the Ladies of the Alter Society for several years. In 2006, her illness began to take it's toll and she spent these last years at Douglas Campbell Lodge under the care of many great staff and her dedicated husband of 53 years, Clayton.

Prayers will be held on Monday evening October 29, 2012 at 7:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel led by Reverend Eric Giddins. Funeral Mass will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 11:00 am with Reverend Eric Giddins.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends wish, donations may be made in Irene's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 21 Royal Road S., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1T8 or Good Shepherd Parish Building Fund, 114 Countess Ave, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OT2 or to Douglas Campbell Lodge Foundation, c/o Portage District General Hospital, 150-9th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3T6.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com