Mrs. Irene Elvira (Neufeld) Dick

Irene Neufeld was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on March 14th, 1927 to Jacob and Katherine (Penner) Neufeld. Her parents grew up in what is now southern Ukraine, close to the Black Sea. Both fled with their families from famine, revolution, and ended up meeting each other in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They married in1926, and little Irene arrived the next year. She was a miracle baby. Katherine (Irene’s mother) had suffered a serious bout of polio as a girl, and due to health concerns could only have one child. The depression years in Winnipeg were very severe. The family had no money for a car or any extras, and made ends meet by Jacob working two jobs.

When Irene was 8 or 9 years old, her mom contracted tuberculosis, and was sent away for several years to a sanatorium. Irene had to start making meals, cleaning house, and growing up quickly. She and her dad became very close. With his support, Irene became a star student, voracious reader, and started playing piano – eventually earning an advanced level Royal Conservatory of Music certification. Her mother Katherine returned home, but tragically after a few years the TB reoccurred, and she passed away when Irene was only 16.

In the last days before her mom died, Irene contracted the disease herself and eventually had to spend over a year in the sanatorium, away from family. After recovery, Irene concentrated on her studies, and was encouraged by her father to go to university. She excelled and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature, with a minor in French. She joined the Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship, eventually meeting the love of her life - a young medical student, Jake Dick. They married and after graduation moved back to his home city of Saskatoon to raise their family of four children.

These were some of her happiest days. No more the quiet life of an only child, she was surrounded by a bustling family. She and Jake still found time to spend many hours horseback riding, canoeing and cultivating a love of nature with their kids. Beyond family, she and Jake lived a life of service; he working with boys in the Christian Service Brigade, and she in the Pioneer Girls Club. Later she was very involved with Christian Women’s Club – becoming popular on the speaker circuit to these gatherings. After Jake’s retirement they moved to Greendale, British Columbia to be close to their adult children. They continued their passion for the outdoors, hiking, biking, and marvelling at God’s creation.

Irene is predeceased by her parents, and husband Jake. She leaves behind her children: Gary (Denise), Sharon (Dale), Randy (Rosa), and Heather (Ian); her grandchildren: Dylan (Jennifer), Nadya (Aubyn), Lucas (Jennifer), Jasmine (Greg), Massimo, Tiana, Emily, Stefan; and her two great grandsons: Elijah and Dawson.

Irene was the foundation of her family - a role model, devoted wife, loving mother, caring grandmother and prayer warrior for us all. We will love you forever!