Obituary of Irene Helen SMITH

September 10, 1927 – Rypne, Poland January 25, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Irene, who left us peacefully on the evening of January 25, 2016 at the age of 88 years. Born in Rypne, Poland, Irene immigrated to Canada, at age 2, with her parents, Nikolai and Paulina Kucher, arriving in Springside, Saskatchewan. As the family grew to five, they continued their journey westward and settled on a small farm near Armstrong, British Columbia. Always industrious, she worked on the farm and in her teens worked at the Armstrong Cheese Factory before entering Nursing School at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, B.C. After graduating in 1949 as a Registered Nurse, Irene set out to complete 2 years of nursing experience required by applicants to be an airline stewardess. The first leg of her “cross Canada” work experience landed her in Calgary. While attending a Saturday night dance at the church, Irene met and fell in love with John. They were married on December 22, 1951, and except for a short time in Edmonton, Calgary remained her home. She was a devoted mom to Debbie and Diane. After raising her girls, Irene returned to the workforce, as a nurse, in both Calgary and Edmonton, but decided to try her hand as a realtor at age 52. She enjoyed the excitement and challenges of Calgary real estate and was very successful in her career. And as in her other jobs, she made lasting friendships with both co-workers and clients. All who knew Irene will remember her for her kind, generous and caring nature. Mom was an excellent seamstress, to which even our Barbie dolls were lucky beneficiaries; Mom’s green thumb was able to lovingly nurture wilted plants back to life and fill the garden beds with flowers and vegetables; she earned her amateur radio ticket with the call sign VE6VN; she was also an excellent cook and was best known for her chocolate sauce, apple pie, meringues and Nanaimo bars; if you needed a kitchen gadget – she had it; she loved Hawaii and going to casinos, especially on Friday the 13th. Irene will be deeply missed by her daughters, Debbie (Joe) Sullivan of Hazelton, BC and Diane (Gerry) Pelle of Osoyoos, BC; brother Julian Kucher, and sister Naida (Bert) Schroeder. Irene was very proud of her five grandchildren, Tim (Noreen), Joey (Lisa), Elizabeth (Derek), Katie (Jason) and Richard; six great-grandchildren, and grand cat, Jesse. She was Auntie Irene to the Barclay, Schroeder and Kucher nieces and nephews. Irene always treasured the memories of time spent with her extended family and friends, especially, Bert and Naida Schroeder and family; Julian Kucher and family; Jack and Marie Barclay (deceased) and family. Another great source of long-lasting friendship came from the Silver Springs neighbourhood clan Irene was predeceased by her husband, John (2010); brother-in-law, Jack Barclay (1996) and sister-in-law, Marie Barclay (2003). Heartfelt thanks are extended to all who cared for our mom during her struggle with Louie-Body Dementia; especially Dr. Todd and the excellent staff of Bow View Manor; and Dr. Stuart and the staff of West Pointe Dental. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North, Calgary), on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through . If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Irene’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, or to the Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, or a charity of the donor’s choice. In living memory of Irene Smith, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: 403-241-0044