My condolences and deepest sympathies, are with you all during this very sad time.
She was a gift to everyone who ever met her, truly an extraordinary woman who was admired by everyone who knew her. Her loss has saddened our our hearts deeply.
I was lucky enough to not only have her in my life as my Aunt but also as my Godmother.
There are many wonderful memories I have of her from tanning outside, basting ourselves in coconut oil and drinking the largest containers of water we could find - to walking around Banff together - to shopping for hours in the malls - as well as just sitting and enjoying each other's company.
There is one memory in particular I would like to share:
Auntie Irene was known for standing up to anyone who dared challenge her or her family.
One year, she was visiting our family in Montreal. My father was being a bit of a show off, (trying to be smart) while lazing in his recliner, snapping his fingers towards my mother (Irene's baby sister) demanding a coffee. Whether joking or otherwise.....this was not a wise move on his part, as he was about to learn very quickly and the hard way.
Auntie Irene went to the kitchen (upstairs), ripped up a bunch of small pieces of paper, placed then in an empty coffee mug and proceeded downstairs to 'deliver' his "coffee".
As she neared him, being careful not to spill because it's hot "coffee" *wink*, she pretended to trip as she neared him while he was reclining completely in his chair, and spilled the contents all over him.
He, assuming it was very hot "coffee", yelled, scrambled, jumped, cursed and tried to either claw his way through and/or out of the recliner to avoid the scorching burn of the 'coffee'.
Needless to say, he never attempted that stunt again. Or any other for that matter. At least not when Auntie Irene was around.
He learned, rather quickly, not to mess with this lady or her family hahahaha.
I love you Auntie Irene!
xoxox
