Obituary of Jean Louise Irwin

Jean Irwin lost her battle with Alzheimer disease and passed away peacefully at Extendicare Cedars Villa on Saturday, December 8, 2007 at the age of 75 years. Jean was born on March 17, 1932 in Denver, CO to Jack and Louise Warner Clow. She grew up in Denver with her three brothers, all of whom were engaged in the family florist enterprises. Jean’s mother passed away suddenly of the flu in 1934. Her stepmother, Frances Bible Clow had a profound positive effect on the young Jean Clow. Jean graduated from the University of Colorado in 1953. After a year as a flight attendant with Frontier Airlines, she married Joe Irwin in Denver in June of 1954. Jean and Joe returned to Calgary where Jean commenced her fifty-three years of residency in the Calgary community. Jean is survived by her husband Joe; her three brothers, John (Abby) of Sonoma, CA, Mick (Carolann) of Longmont, CO, and Bill (Debbie)of Toledo, OH. She was a great a mom to her four sons, Michael (Missy) Irwin, Bill (Kelly) Irwin both of Calgary, Ted (Mary) Irwin of Seattle, WA and Bob (Jennifer) Irwin of Missoula, MT. Jean had eleven grandchildren Thom, Geoff, Peter, and Katherine of Calgary; Stephanie, Kristine, Jenny, and Nicole of Calgary; Jack and Charlie of Seattle, and Chase of Missoula. Aunt Jean was very much loved by her large extended family of nephews and nieces. Jean had the energy, enthusiasm and confidence to try most everything. She was a solid skier and enjoyed skiing in over forty-three different ski areas in Canada, United States and Europe. Jean managed them all, survival instincts being her strong suit. She would also be considered one of the original “ski-race-moms” in the Banff-Lake Louise area. Jean loved golf and played regularly at the Calgary Golf and Country Club. She was also an avid tennis and badminton player at the Glencoe Club. Her other great loves were gardening, bird-watching and walks with her faithful long-haired dachshund and she was also a big fan of the Calgary Zoo. Jean enjoyed traveling and was fortunate enough to be able to accompany Joe on occasion, on business trips to London, Portugal and Singapore. For twenty wonderful years, Jean managed and enjoyed her condo in San Deigo, always a focal point for family and friends. Jean’s warmth and sunny spirit won her a strong group of life long friends. In particular, “the Bridge Club”, who since 1954 thoroughly “Canadianized” the American girl. A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.)on Monday, December 17, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Thanks go out to the girls on the Maple Unit at Extendicare Cedars Villa for their kindness and care given to Jean these past three years. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. In living memory of Jean Irwin, 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.