Irene Georgette Bourns

passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, after a brief but valiant battle with complications from two metastatic cancers. Born October 26, 1946, in Ponteix, Saskatchewan, Irene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and the steady rock at the centre of her family.

Irene married Michael David Bourns on May 18, 1968, in Ponteix. Together they built a life grounded in love, quiet strength and practicality. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Michael; her three children, Cary Legien, Tyler Bourns (Connie) and Kiley Bourns; and six cherished grandchildren: Addison Zack (Caleb), Nolan Legien (Kenley), Ryan David, Layne Legien, Marshall Bourns (Grace) and Alexis Bourns (Carson ) and three great-grandchildren Rowan, Rawley and Porter. Her family was her greatest joy and she loved them deeply.

Small in stature but large in spirit, Irene was timelessly classy, energetic, and endlessly kind. She was the family’s rock — supportive, forgiving and fair — always ready to help the underdog and to tie up loose ends. Practical and cautious by nature, she gave sound advice, worked hard, and applied her intelligence and quirks to everything she did. Irene loved gardening and cooking; her home and garden were reflections of the care she put into life and family gatherings.

Professionally, Irene began her career in banking at the Credit Union and later worked in accounting at PC Place. There, she proudly supported her son and remained engaged with the business throughout her life. Her involvement reflected her strong work ethic, deep sense of responsibility, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Nine months before her passing Irene was diagnosed with metastatic MALT lymphoma; subsequently a second, extremely rare and aggressive metastatic cancer — adrenocortical carcinoma — was identified and deemed untreatable. Her fight was short but courageous; she remained remarkably healthy and pain-free until the end, showing strength and resilience that amazed all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Victoria Avenue Funeral Home on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. The service will be livestreamed and recorded for family and friends to watch during and after the service. Please see below for link to register.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wascana Grace Hospice or William Booth Special Care Home in Irene’s memory.

The family wishes to thank all caregivers and friends for their compassion and support during this time. Irene’s steady love, practical wisdom, and generous heart will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Register for live-stream / recording at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=c8fad6f9-ef29-4a42-87a0-d15b303a76c1 .