Obituary of Irene Asquith

Irene Asquith beloved wife of Albert Asquith of Calgary passed away on Saturday September 8, 2007 at the age of 85 years. Irene was born December 5, 1921 in Staffordshire, England. She met her future husband, Albert in 1940 when she was a bookkeeper for Lloyd’s Grocery where Albert also worked. During the Second World War, she was a “Rosie Riveter”, assembling Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft components and waited for Albert to return from overseas service. They married in 1946 upon his return, and were blessed with the arrival of their son, Terry in 1951. They had many happy years together in England with family and friends before following Terry, and immigrating to Calgary in 1975. Irene worked for the “Albertan” newspaper which would later become the Calgary Sun and then worked at the head office of the Calgary CO-OP until she and Albert retired in 1986. She enjoyed the retirement years before spending the last ten years of her life at the Beverly Centre, slipping away from us with Alzheimer’s disease. Irene was a gentle, kind and loving person with a wonderful sense of humour. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, watching the Calgary Flames hockey games and above all, spending time with her two granddaughters Catherine, and Christine. Vacationing in Hawaii and visiting with Delmer and Doreen Coull were some of the special moments in her life. She was a very special wife, mother and grandmother who will live in our hearts forever. Besides her devoted husband, Albert, Irene will be lovingly remembered by her son and daughter-in-law Terry and Darlene Asquith, granddaughters Catherine (Dan) Thibodeau and Christine Asquith, special friends Delmer Coull, Lloyd Orriss and Valerie Rigby, various other nephews, nieces and friends and neighbours in England, Canada and the USA. Irene was predeceased by her parents Alice and Harry Hughes and sister, Gwen. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Wednesday September 12, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Thursday September 13, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service in the Heritage Section at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Suite 134, 1935 – 32nd Avenue N.E. Calgary, AB T3E 7C8. A special thank you to the caregivers at the Beverly Centre, Glenmore who became part of Irene’s extended family and friends. Albert and the family are very thankful for the wonderful care she received. Irene “Because of you, we are who we are today, There was a time in all of our lives When you were there to help us, When we needed you; All we had to do was ask. In your spirit we know You’ll always be a part of us.” In living memory of Irene Asquith, 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.