1941 - 2018
Irene Jean Cullen Johnson, loving partner, mom, granny, sister, daughter, aunt and friend, passed away unexpectedly on November 10th, 2018.
Irene was born in Glasgow, Scotland where she grew up with her family. At 26 she embarked on her first big adventure overseas, to visit her Uncle David. She fell in love with Canada and became a proud citizen. She stayed in Vancouver for five years where she had her first daughter, Karen. Following an opportunity for her family, she moved to the great white north, Yellowknife, where her second daughter, Kate and her son, Kirk were born. Almost 31 years ago to the day, she met the love of her life, Bob.
Irene had an amazing lust for life. When she walked into a room you couldn’t help but smile. She had a great sense of humor and her enthusiasm was infectious. At 5’2” (and a half, she would point out), she always said she was “wee but mighty” and that dynamite came in small packages. She was an avid supporter of the fine arts, loved to dance end enjoyed travel. Irene was very generous with her time, she would always find a way to help those that needed it.
Above all else, Irene loved her family. Family was the most important thing to her. If you were coming to visit, she would be waiting at the front door with open arms. Watching her play with her grandchildren, you would immediately recognize the incredibly kind and caring mother and grandmother she was. She was an inspiration. There are not enough words to describe how truly amazing Irene was, but if you ever met her – you already know. Life with Irene was an unparalleled pleasure. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Irene is survived by her partner Bob MacQuarrie, brother David Dunbar (Paula), sister-in-law Maureen Dunbar, children: Catherine MacQuarrie (Clive), Don MacQuarrie, Ken MacQuarrie (Yoshi), Doug MacQuarrie (Stephanie), Karen Wasicuna (Robin), Kate Powless (Gabe), Kirk Johnson (Andrea), grand-children: Alexander, Gabrielle, Julia, Lindsay, Marin, Kouta, Evelyn, Emelia, Ava and Irene.
She was pre-deceased by her mum and dad, Betty and Jim Dunbar as well as her brother, James Dunbar.
As per Irene’s request, there will be no formal service. She asked that those close to her just partake in their own informal gatherings to remember and honor her.
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