Obituary of Irene Agnes Tennent McLeod

January 4, 1933 – Glasgow, Scotland

October 23, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Irene McLeod (nee Wright), beloved wife of Douglas McLeod, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the age of 91 years. Irene was known by many different monikers—Grandma, Moquit, Ama, and Mum.

Irene was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated to Vancouver, BC, in the late 1950s, where she met Douglas. They were married in Scotland on July 4, 1960, by her father, Rev. Allan Wright. She eventually settled in Calgary with her husband and family in 1969.

She started her nursing career as an RN in Scotland, specializing in midwifery, before relocating to Vancouver. She spent the remainder of her career caring for Calgary’s elderly, finally retiring in 1996. She continued to be active as a volunteer, always caring for others. She was a devoted member of the Northmount Baptist Church for over forty years, serving God and her community in various roles, putting the needs of others before her own.

Irene enjoyed travelling the globe and developed a special fondness for Mexico and the Caribbean, which she shared with her family. The culture and the warmth that these holidays brought were a great comfort to her and her family.

Irene was an avid reader and was part of a book club which she quite enjoyed and was always found doing puzzles. She had a passion for knitting blankets for the church to give to the homeless, or sweaters for her grandsons, who wore them with pride. Many fortunate babies in the church were gifted with her knitting talents. Amateur photography was another favourite pastime she enjoyed as well, often sharing the great wonders of God through stories, slides, and writings.

She will be most remembered for her kindness and love for her family and others.

Irene is survived by her son, Allan (Denise); daughter, Marie (Jeffrey); her grandsons, Colin, Joey, and Pierce, all of Calgary; her granddaughter, Olivia (Nathan), of Carstairs; great-granddaughters, Rose and Clara, of British Columbia; and great-grandsons, Zev and Leo, of Carstairs. Irene is also survived by her sister, Phyllis, of Indiana; her nephew, Phillip (Portia), of Los Angeles; and great-nephew, Asa, of Los Angeles. Irene was predeceased by her husband, Douglas; brother, Stewart; and niece, Jennifer. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Irene’s family here.

In living memory of Irene McLeod, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-299-0100.