Irene Bradford Lauridsen

Irene was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and immigrated to Canada at the age of 21. She worked as a legal secretary in Toronto, Calgary and then Vancouver where she met Kurt on a blind date in October of 1957. They were engaged by December and were married two months later. They remained a loving couple for 65 years.

They had their first child, Steve in 1959 and the family moved to Kelowna. Their second child, Craig was born in 1961, and three years later Heather, their third child was born.

Mum reluctantly found herself homesteading on Raymer Road (in the Okanagan Mission area) where she and Kurt built their first home. 15 years later they built a new house on an acreage in the Southeast Kelowna area. It was an idyllic spot where family and friends gathered often.

Mum had boundless love for her family and was loved by all, perhaps most especially by her grandchildren. When the first of seven grandchildren arrived, mum became known to all as “Nanny”.

Nanny spent countless hours lifeguarding by the pool and making snacks. The grandchildren devoured her baked goods, being particularly fond of her homemade “nanny buns”. The recipe remains a secret!

Family traditions were important to Nanny, especially around the Christmas season. She adopted many of Kurt’s Danish traditions such as the daily candle lighting, the Nissemen (Danish elves) and singing around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.

Irene is predeceased by her husband Kurt and her grandson Quinn. She is survived by her sister Margaret (Frank) in Scotland. She is lovingly remembered by her son Steve, her son Craig (Maria) and her daughter Heather (Dean) and also her grandchildren Sara (Mike), Becky (Eric), Katie (Nick), Kristen (Aaron), Kieran and Hannah.

She also leaves behind her three great-grandchildren, Aurora, Leif and Ollie as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A huge and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Susan Medysnki who took such good care of Irene over the years, even making house calls in her last two years. Also, a special thank you to the care staff of Orchard Manor.

There will be no service by request. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your charity of choice.