Irene Roberta Warren

Irene was born on July 1, 1948, in Cross Lake, Manitoba, to Jeramiah and Fanny, and was the second youngest of seven children. From an early age, she possessed a determination and courage that would come to define her life. She left the reserve to pursue her post secondary education, a brave decision at a time when opportunities were not always easily accessible. That choice not only changed her own life but inspired countless others from her community and family to believe they could do the same.

In 1969, Irene became a Licensed Practical Nurse, the first nurse in her family and a trailblazer whose example inspired many others to pursue careers in healthcare. Caring for others was not simply her profession; it was who she was. Through her example, she taught generations that dreams are worth pursuing, obstacles are meant to be overcome, and sometimes the biggest thing standing in your way is yourself. Her advice, whether spoken directly or demonstrated through her actions, was simple: get out of your own way and go after your dreams.

Life took Irene across Canada. She lived in Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and eventually British Columbia, where she spent the last 45 years of her life. Alongside her husband, Doug Warren, an RCMP officer, she embraced the adventure of moving from posting to posting. Together, they built a life rich with experiences, friendships, and memories before eventually moving and retiring in Prince George, BC.

While nursing was her calling, Irene's true art may have been making people feel at home. Her kitchen was legendary. It was not unusual for her to bake 10 dozen buns and 12 loaves of bread in a single session. The astonishing collection of baking pans in her kitchen now makes perfect sense. Her pies, tarts, and Christmas cakes became family treasures, and nobody ever left her house hungry.

And then there were the summers.

If you were looking for Irene on a warm weekend, chances are you would find her at a forestry campground beside a lake. There would be a campfire crackling, a poker stick in one hand, a goblet of wine in the other, and a smile that said life was exactly as it should be. She loved the outdoors, fresh air, good company, and simple pleasures. She found joy in berry picking with her best friend Dani, playing bingo, celebrating Christmas with childlike enthusiasm, and creating memories with those she loved.

Her home was never without a dog, a tradition that spanned more than 60 years. She loved animals deeply and opened her heart to every four-legged companion who joined the family. Including one orange cat!

To know Irene was to know generosity. She was a mother not only to her own children but to countless friends who found comfort, guidance, laughter, and unconditional love under her roof. She welcomed everyone with open arms, a full plate, and usually something fresh from the oven.

Irene is survived by her husband, Doug Warren; her son, Dean Warren; and her daughter, Tanya Warren, who loved and admired her beyond words. She also leaves behind extended family, lifelong friends, former colleagues, and a community of people whose lives are better because they knew her.

As her daughter, I know there is no way to summarize a life this full or a love this deep. She was brave when bravery was required, stubborn when determination was needed, funny when laughter was medicine, and loving every single day. She showed us how to work hard, dream big, care for others, and squeeze every drop of joy out of life. She made the world brighter simply by being in it.

In lieu of flowers, Irene would tell you to do something much more practical: buy yourself some flowers, or buy them for someone who needs a little brightness in their life, and think of her when you do.

The family also invites those wishing to honour Irene's memory to make a donation to the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society, whose compassionate care and support brought comfort during her final journey.

So, the next time you see a beautiful bunch of flowers, smell fresh bread baking, sit beside a campfire, pick berries with a friend, hear a bingo number called, spoil a dog, or raise a glass of wine under the stars, think of Irene.

She certainly wouldn't want tears for too long.

She'd want you to get out of your own way, follow your dreams, and enjoy your life to the fullest.

And that's exactly how we'll remember her.