Josie Lynn (Wood) Ireland

Josie was born on November 30, 1980 in Fort Frances to Don and June Wood. She grew up in Fort Frances, attending school there, and graduated from Fort Frances High School in 1998. Josie was always fiercely independent and an extremely hard worker. Once she made her mind up, nothing stopped her. After graduating, she moved to Calgary where she worked various retail jobs before joining the staff at the GSL GM City dealership where she was employed as the warranty administrator for many years.

While in Calgary, Josie met Kurt Ireland, and on August 11, 2015 they were blessed with their daughter Ella. Nothing was more important to or mattered more to Josie than being a mom. Ella was her pride and joy … her world.

Josie was first diagnosed with cancer six years ago. She was so very strong in her battle and was able to overcome many of the challenges that she faced along the way. However, in 2020, as her health failed, she made the decision to move back to Fort Frances with Ella to be close to her family and where she would be surrounded by love and support as she continued to valiantly fight the disease. In the end, she passed away with her family by her side.

Josie leaves behind her beloved daughter Ella; parents Don and June Wood; sister Trisha Wood and Chad Hanson and nephews Layton, Landen and Gavin; aunts and uncles Liz Shine, Bob Shine (Nancy), Mike Shine (Eve), Norman Wood (Connie), Gerald Wood (Char), Robert Wood (Vanessa), Fred Wood and Philip Wood (Lorraine); Kurt Ireland; mother-in-law Tanis Johnson (Dieter); father-in-law Don Ireland (Johana); sisters-in-law Shauna Ireland (and son Wolfe Larson) and Jennifer Ireland (Lance Moore and daughters Amel and Seinna Moore); and Lorna and Norm Johnson (Ella’s great-grandparents, lovingly referred to as ggma and ggpa). She will be greatly missed by her cousins and many friends.

Josie was predeceased by her grandparents Theresa and Lester Shine and Theresa and Robert Wood.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022, 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church with Father Gino Mathias officiating. Due to COVID 19 Restrictions attendance will be limited to 100 people. Everyone must wear a mask and follow social distancing practices.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Thunder Bay District Hospital Foundation – Palliative Care Services, 980 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 2C1.