Obituary of Iris Edna Leman

September 11, 1930 - Insinger, Saskatchewan
January 22, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Another angel in heaven, another star in the sky. After a lengthy period of ill-health, Iris Leman of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully in her sleep with family at her side on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the age of 91 years.
 
Iris was born in Insinger, SK on September 11, 1930. She and her siblings grew up in and referred to Sandy Lake, MB as home. Iris married Raymond (Ray) Leman of Brantford, ON in Winnipeg, MB and moved to Calgary, AB in 1956 to set roots and start a family. Ray and Iris were two of the original residents of the city’s community of Wildwood, raised four children in their first and only home, and after Ray passed Iris remained there ever after.

Iris and Ray raised four sons, Dave, Dan, Dean, and Daryl, in that order, and were always there for their ‘possums’. Spending quality time with both immediate and extended family, and ensuring enough food was available to 'feed an army', was how Iris lived. She took on part-time jobs to ensure her clan had everything they needed and more. She supported many charities and was generous to so many. She brought her cheerful self wherever she went, asking for so very little yet giving so very much. Her response to being told we loved her was always “l love you more”. She shared that mantra with everyone and every animal she ever met. Iris was a voracious reader, a lover of music and of loons in the wild, a fabulous cook, and an avid curling fan. Not all on her street knew each other, but all knew Iris – and for all the right reasons. The sorrow we all feel now will soon turn to pride and joy for having had her in our lives. The world may be less without her in it, but her legacy of love will endure...

Iris is survived by her sons, and daughters-in-law, David and Cheryl of Prince George, BC, Daryl and Shelley of Calgary, AB, Daniel of Calgary, AB, and Dean of Prince George, BC; and grandchildren, Klee and Kevan of Prince George, BC; Dylan and Alyssa of Calgary, AB. Iris is also survived by her brother-in-law Cy Leman of Metcalfe, ON; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and her cousin Doris Gusdal of Erickson, MB. She will be fondly remembered by her numerous and wonderful friends and neighbours.
 
Iris was predeceased by her parents, Stephen and Anna Nawalkowski; her brother, Edward and sister-in-law Jean; her sister, Vi and brother-in-law Richard (Dick); her nephew Greg; and by her beloved husband Raymond, with whom she spent 47 happy years of marriage.
 
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
 
In living memory of Iris Leman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.