Obituary of Irene Ruth LEINAN (nee Omelan)

January 4, 1946 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

December 14, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Irene Leinan of Calgary, AB passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the age of 73 years.

Irene was born in Saskatoon, SK. She attended the Sion Academy, Saskatoon and graduated with her Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy Degree from the University of Alberta. She worked as a pharmacist with Safeway and Coop for the duration of her career. Irene was an active member of the Calgary Dance Club, a member of the University women’s club, and an honorary member of Centennial Rotary club, Calgary. She had a love of languages including studying Spanish in Calgary and abroad, hiking, travelling, gardening, cooking and entertaining family and friends.

Irene was particularly proud of her progression as a dancer. She also loved to travel and there were endless epic adventures with family and friends. In 2019 alone she visited Spain, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Poland, Czech Republic, took a cruise from Quebec City to New York City, vacationed in Arizona, and visited family in California and Ottawa. A social butterfly, she made lifetime friends around the world on every trip she made.

Irene will be most remembered for her energy, vitality, love of life, and close connection to family and friends.

Irene is survived by her children, Brent Leinan (Lori and Lexi An) and Valerie Leinan (Craig Taillefer); and sister Mary Knight. She was predeceased by her husband Arvid Leinan, parents, Katherine and Emil Omelan; and brother Robert Omelan.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North Calgary, AB, 403-243-8200) on Thursday, December 19th with viewing at 6:00 PM and Prayers at 7:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at Corpus Christie Catholic Church (404 Northmount Place NW, Calgary), on Friday, December 20, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception and celebration of life for Irene. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Irene’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter or the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.