Obituary of Irene Magdelina Ruckman

February 16, 1927 - Hatton, Saskatchewan

December 17, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Irene Ruckman (nee Bauer) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the age of 95 years.

Irene was born at the family farm near Hatton, Saskatchewan, on February 16, 1927 to Magdelina Moos and Michael Bauer. She had fifteen brothers and sisters, including four full siblings: Emil, Rose, Edna, and Alice.

Irene moved from her home to Medicine Hat when she was seventeen, then to Calgary two years later to train as a seamstress with Francis Everett. Over the years, Francis became a beloved part of Irene’s family, and was Grandma Everett to Irene’s girls. Irene married Samuel James Johnston in 1954 and they resided on the family farm in Symons Valley along West Nose Creek. They had two daughters, Sandra Ann in 1955 and Carol Jane in 1957.

When Samuel died in 1961, they remained on the farm and Irene worked as a tailor in Calgary. Irene met James Samuel Ruckman at a New Years Eve dance and they married in 1971 and moved to Calgary. They had thirty-one wonderfully loving years together before Jim died in 2002.

From a young age, Irene loved sewing and working with fabric. She had a talent to sew everything and was generous in designing and tailoring everything from gowns to drapery for others. Once Irene retired, quilting became a great passion. She was proud of her work and would say, “My hobby is useful” as she gifted her beautiful quilts to family members for bed coverings, throws and baby blankets.

Irene loved cooking, baking, canning, making preserves, and gardening. She grew all their own vegetables and would usually have tiny, scrubbed carrots to share tucked in her purse. Irene loved planting annuals and growing plants from seed. She was generous in sharing the harvest during autumn, which was her favourite season.

In addition to these interests, Irene enjoyed taking road trips, hiking in the mountains, walking the prairie hills, cross country skiing, games, puzzles and dancing with Jim. Irene belonged to Second Sixties Outdoor Club, Confederation Park 55+, The Quilters’ Group (Calgary Branch) of the Alberta Handicraft Guild, amongst others.

Irene will be deeply missed by her family and most remembered for her kindness, empathy, and caring. She loved being with children, tending her garden, stitching a quilt, having a good visit, and hosting a meal.

Irene dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and had a special place in her heart for each.

Irene is survived by her daughter Carol Johnston; grandchildren and their partners, Chris Iftody (Jenny), Lauren Iftody (Jean Louis), Paul Smith (Lauren Kron), Lindsay Goemans (Brett), and Taylor Kline (Lauren Strybos); great-grandchildren Xander, Emmitt, Madison, Nolan, Alice, Finnley, and Oliver; stepchildren Karen Mikalson and Curtis Ruckman and their families; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was predeceased by all of her siblings, daughter Sandra Johnston, husband Samuel Johnston, and husband James Ruckman.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Irene Ruckman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.