Obituary of Irene McDougall

Much loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away on Monday, February 18, 2008, in her 101st year. She will be greatly missed by her cherished family members. Irene’s dedication to family interests and needs were consistently present; with her unselfish care, understanding, patience, good humour, judgement, affection, intellect, and great conversations. She coupled such faithfulness with being a happy person, as well as being generous, kind, and honest. Such attributes indeed are legacies carried to those she touched along her long life’s journey. Irene’s younger family members in particular will continue to be proud to honour her, by living such qualities in their individual lives. Irene, born in Liverpool, England of a family of silver carriage lamp designers recognized by the Royal Coat of Arms, immigrated to Calgary at the age of three with her mother and father. She was an accomplished student recognized personally by William Aberhart as then principal of Crescent Heights High School. During a senior secretarial career with two major grain companies having headquarters in Calgary, Irene married and had two sons. Later in life she followed her mother into membership of the Order of the Eastern Star. Through her involvement in the various offices of the Order, she became Worthy Matron of Bow Valley Chapter #5, Calgary (1955), and later, Worthy Grand Matron in the province of Alberta (1972). Through the ensuing year, Irene made official visits to 102 subordinate chapters in the province, accompanied by her husband Morley as her grand pilot. Irene’s personal project at that time was “Our Wonderful Youth”. Her motto “Pride in our past and faith in our future”. Many happy experiences were associated with activities of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Masonic Order. Irene is survived by her two sons and families. Son Morley R. McDougall (Marion); grandson Kevin (Bonnie), Katrina, Hayley, Erin; granddaughter Karen; and granddaughter Brenda McQueen (Kent), Tamara, and Sean. Son Gerald M. McDougall (Ann); grandson John (Jackie), Rachel, Adam; and grandson Craig (Nancy), and Ian. Irene was predeceased by her loving husband, Morley M. McDougall (1975), a grandson of the pioneering family of Methodist Missionaries that settled in the mid 1800’s, in the central and southern parts of what was later to be our province of Alberta. The family expresses thanks to the dedicated care and attention of Staff at Wentworth Manor Court, Irene’s home for the past seven years. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held with Interment at Union Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice, flowers gratefully declined. Arrangements in care of McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes “Park Memorial Chapel”.