Obituary of Irene Victoria Matkaluk

Irene Victoria Matkaluk of Calgary passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 09, 2009 at the age of 78 years. She will be remembered by her loving husband Stephen (Steve); sister and kidney donor Pansy Artus; brother Sam Stroich and sisters-in-law Helen Stroick, Pauline Pucci and Anne Matkaluk. She will also be dearly missed by her sons Darryl (Maryse) and Randy (Linda) and her grandchildren Stephanie, Rebecca, DJ, Tate and Kit. Auntie Irene will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews. Irene was born in Calgary, Alberta on May 24, 1931. She married the love of her life, Steve, and they started their journey that was currently in its 60th year. Irene was a true oil patch wife who followed Steve to many locations including Grande Prairie, Valley View, Swan Hills, Barrhead and Stettler. The happy couple settled in Calgary to raise their two sons and became a long standing fixture in the community of University Heights where they resided for more than 40 years. Irene was a wonderful mother, grandmother, friend, confidant and mentor. She greatly cherished her numerous close friendships, which flourished and spanned many decades. She took great pride in maintaining a beautiful home and garden and took much pleasure in entertaining friends and family with terrific meals spiced with love. Irene volunteered for many years at various organizations, which included the Foothills Hospital and The Kidney Foundation of Canada. She maintained an active and healthy lifestyle until her passing and liked to curl, swim, walk and attend discussion groups. Irene was proud of her lengthy affiliation with the Oil Wives Association and frequent reunions with the “Ukrainian Girls”. A Celebration of Irene’s Life will be held at the Calgary Winter Club (4611 – 14 Street N.W.) on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, we encourage memorial tributes be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Our sincere appreciation goes to the caring staff at the Foothills Hospital (ICU and Renal Unit). In living memory of Irene Matkaluk, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.