Janet, Anne, Krista, Kate, Megan and family my deepest sympathy on the loss of Irene, your Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother. I am grateful to feel like I was with you via the live stream of the beautiful, warm, and loving service from Ontario. The music was outstanding, wonderful songs chosen, beautifully played by the violinist and pianist and a lovely slide show. It was an honor to share in such a remarkable tribute to Irene and I feel like I have gotten to know my friend, Janet, and her family just a "wee" bit more. I am sure Irene would have loved the "golf" joke!

Love and may you find peace together in memories shared today and moving forward making new memories as Irene would have wanted.

Beverley St. Louis

Anne and Janet,

I could write a novel about Aunt Irene and her amazing spirit and determination. I would like to share that she made a true connection with everyone she met and she always took a genuine interest in the lives of her family and friends. She truly cared about others which was demonstrated by her thoughtfulness, compassion and her ability to make everyone feel that they were valuable. She was a true matriarch of our family and will be missed dearly. She was like a second mom to Marion and myself and Toronto was like a second home as I spent a lot of time at the condo! I have to laugh as I remember going through it before she bought it and the basement was unfinished, it was on 3 levels and people thought she was crazy to buy a place will all those stairs! Did she prove them wrong! In fact, those stairs might have been part of what kept her so fit all these years! Missing her dearly and thinking of you and your families at this time. Her obituary is a beautiful snapshot into the incredible life she lived for 98 years!

Love Vicki, Doug, Natalie and Alaina

Dear Ann and Janet, Irene was a blessing! Thank goodness she was one of the adults that herded us teens at St. James. I see her in my mind's eye running by with costumes, make up, and a sharp eye when we put on the elaborate pageants and plays at the church. And at the farm, laughing with Mrs. E and all of us. Or chaperoning at Cedar Glen! When Jon and I returned to St. James with our children in the 90s, there was Irene to welcome us! All four of us looked forward to receiving a card from your Mom. We all enjoyed writing back, especially Katie, but Sam too. Jon, Aldo, Nancy and I enjoyed our visit with your Mom, and you Janet, when we were last in Calgary. It was a treat! We send our love and warm thoughts to you and your families.

Jon and Marty Linton

Janet and Anne … My earliest memories of your mom, was of her and your father heading out to play golf when your family were at Jack’s cottage. At the time, I could not understand why anyone would want to play golf when visiting Pine River. Obviously, golf was a passion for her. Since then, there have been many memories of family get togethers at the cottage, Clinton. Listowel and around the GTA. Elsie and Oliver cherished those lifetime friendships and the many get togethers with the extended Owens clan.

I remember her as a cheerful thoughtful person. When Lesley’s mother passed, Irene at the age of 89 drove (at night) from Mississauga to Weston to the visitation. I was blown away by this. What was even more remarkable was that she remembered the funeral director as one of her former students.

I was also so impressed that she was printing her own greeting cards. (The only person from that generation that took the time to learn how to do that.)

My condolences to all who loved her. She was a special lady who will be missed.

Love Don and Lesley