Irene Ross

Quietly on Oct 25/21, at Kildonan Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, Irene Muriel Ross (Steeden) passed from this life to start on a new journey to reunite with Ken, the true love of her life and her eldest son Nyall. Irene was 95 years old.

Irene will be missed by her son Duncan and daughter in law Myrna, grandchildren Kelly Ross and Cameron (Natalie) Ross and great grandchildren Anders and Livia all of Winnipeg, MB. Along with the immediate family, Irene will be remembered by her extended family on the Steeden side, brother Jim Steeden of Brandon and his children Shannon Moncur and Greg (Pam) Steeden of Vancouver, BC, Beverly (Ian) Robertson of Claresholm, AB, Dianne (Romeo) Nadeau of Enderby, BC, Terry Steeden of Portage, Gerald Steeden of Portage and sister- in- law Jean Steeden of Portage and her children Jim, Karen and Craig. The Ross side of the family, Kathy Ross, Doug (Sheila) Ross of Winnipeg, Bill (Jocelyn) Ross of  LaSalle, Kirsty Ross, Ian Ross, sister- in- law Carolyn Bruce of Calgary and nephew Larry Smook of Calgary and many other uncles, aunts and cousins.

Irene is predeceased by her parents, Edna and Ernest Steeden, in laws Esther and Alex Ross, her husband Ken, her eldest son Nyall, brothers Orville, Ernest, Ken and Clifford (Kip), sister- in- law, Audrey, sister- in- law, Gwen, sister and brother- in- law Iola and Peter Smook, brother and sister- in- law Ruth and Harold Ross.

Irene was born in Brandon, MB, daughter of Ernest and Edna (Cornell) Steeden. She was the 5th of 6 children, the only girl. Irene’s early life and education occurred in Brandon, graduating grade 12.

Irene met Kenneth Alexander Ross just prior to Ken going overseas in 1944. The relationship grew and a proposal was offered on the CPR platform in Portage.....Irene somehow lost the original ring but not the commitment and they were married on Sept 12, 1945.

Irene and Ken settled in Portage la Prairie, buying a home on north Main Street. Irene had worked at Krindle’s Clothing store. She teamed up with a good friend, Aulda McMillan and taught Kindergarten and then Nursery School for several years before these responsibilities went into schools. Both Irene and Ken were very active volunteering in and supporting St Mary’s Anglican Church. Mum enjoyed singing in the church choir. Her singing went beyond church, participating in the Sweet and Low singers in Portage and performing at various functions. Irene was also active in the Ladies Skating Club in Portage and held the position of president on 2 occasions. Together, Irene and Ken loved their little Triple E trailer and travelled around Manitoba spending time camping. The trailer was often parked at Delta Beach at a cottage belonging to great family friends, Irene and Andy Zurawski and their kids. They loved to travel and had many holidays in various places around the world. They enjoyed meeting new people and developed great relationships wherever they went. All of their acquaintances were a huge bonus to their lives.

Ken wrote many poems and letters to Irene......For Irene in 1945 Ken wrote......”On the radio is a pianist playing “Together”. It is lovely isn’t it. That is what I want most darling, to be “together”. Now the fellow is playing “Always”. Isn’t it appropriate? He must know about us.”

Mum lived in an assisted living and then a supportive living arrangement in Riverwood Square in Winnipeg for several years and finally in Kildonan Personal Care Home. All of the amazing care givers in these facilities must be recognized, I wish I could name every one of them but many will remember Irene specifically. During this difficult time with the virus causing life changes for everyone, we were comfortable knowing that all was being done to keep Mum safe.

A private graveside memorial will be held with family at a later date.

Please donate to a charity of your choice or The Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba10 – 120 Donald Street Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2 in Mum’s name.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021