Obituary of Irene Bolton

Irene Bolton, beloved wife of the Late Peter Bolton of Calgary, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the age of 86 years. Irene was born and raised in Lucerne, Switzerland on August 2, 1933, where she began her vibrant life. Irene was one of only two women in her University’s graduating class, and after securing a good position with Horner Pharmaceutical HR, she sailed to Montreal. There she met Peter, a young engineer from England, at an outdoor pool. Having accepted a lift home, she remembered that he ran every red light on St. Catherine’s Blvd. Irene and Peter married, started a family in Montreal, and then moved to live in a small community of engineers in Rajasthan, India. She thrived there - helping administer medicine and health education to local villagers, teach swimming and tennis, and, with Peter, organize community events. The family traveled the globe experiencing many cultures, including a few years stationed in Tehran, before settling in Calgary where she made many friends at the Engineers Wives Club. Much later, when the kids had grown, she joined Peter for a year in Papua, New Guinea. In addition to being an excellent homemaker -Irene was a fantastic cook and hostess - she was a talented painter, an avid bridge player, and a savvy businesswoman. She forged lifelong friendships that were an important part of her life up until her passing Early this year, she reluctantly agreed to move with Peter to Hillcrest nursing home, where she received excellent care. Dear friends and family visited regularly and she remained gentle and kind to everyone, to the end, despite her circumstances. Irene is survived by her son Graham and wife Lori; daughter, Susie Pierson and husband Brian, and her grandson, Trent. Irene also has an older sister Els Frey and younger brother Max Seiler. She was recently predeceased by her beloved husband Peter. We miss having her with us and will love her forever. As per Irene’s wishes, there will be no formal memorial service. Please forward condolences through www.albertaburialandcremation.com.