Irene Mary Maillot

Irene was born on April 2, 1946, in Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany, to John and Sophie Szewczyk. Following the Second World War, her family immigrated to Coleman, Alberta, when Irene was three years old, later settling in Calgary in 1952.

On May 25, 1967, Irene married Dennis Maillot, and together they built a home, a family, and a life grounded in hard work and deep devotion. Irene was the heart and rock of the household—raising four spirited boys and warmly welcoming all of their friends as her own. She loved nothing more than hearing the stories they eventually confessed about everything they’d gotten away with. Her home was always open to family and friends, with food on the table, and a warmth that made sure no one ever felt they overstayed their welcome.

An adventurous spirit and natural entrepreneur, Irene approached every endeavour with drive and determination. She excelled as a top-performing Canada Savings Bonds sales leader in Western Canada, owned and managed an apartment complex, drove school buses, helped build homes alongside Dennis and extended family, and co-owned and operated Rainbow International in Calgary for over a decade. Through it all, she gave back generously to her community by volunteering and fundraising for Calgary Wrestling and Springbank Park for all Seasons.

Irene cherished the simple, beautiful moments of life—living on her acreage outside the city, tending to her yard, and spending summers at Mabel Lake, BC. She held a special affection for horses and elephants, had a natural talent and passion for drawing and painting, and loved traveling anywhere in the world so long as family and friends were by her side.

It is hard to put into words the full impact of Irene’s presence. As Dennis puts it best: "She was the most wonderful, amazing person." She possessed an infectious smile, a joy that elevated everyone around her, and an extraordinarily bright outlook through every chapter of life. As she would reflect with deep humility and contentment: "I have everything I ever wanted."

Irene is survived by her husband, Dennis; her children Dean (Christina), Kelly (Tamara), Darren (Heather), and Carey (Devon); her grandchildren Braden (Francesca), Tyson, Zac, Knox, and Bren; her great-grandchildren Nora and Zoey; her sister Lucia (Robin) Edmond; and her nieces Jody (Dan) and Jess (Dan), along with a loving extended family of in-laws, many additional nieces and nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her father, John, and her mother, Sophie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Waterfront Park (5225 - 101 Street N.W., Calgary) on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

This obituary has been authorized by the family for posting on Foster’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home’s website. As such, it is protected against any form of reproduction or redistribution without prior consent from the family.