Irene Donnelly

She was born on November 18, 1930 in Blackhawk, ON to the late Alexander and Gladys Ross. She was the youngest of her eight siblings.

Irene began her career at the CIBC bank in Fort Frances in 1948 where she continued to work until 1976 when Murray, Irene and son Brian made the move to Thunder Bay, ON. Irene returned to work at the Bank of Nova Scotia as Accounts Supervisor until her early retirement in 1984.

On November 19, 1954 Irene married Joseph Murray Donnelly, together raising their three children, Maureen, Mel & Brian. Irene took great pride in being a stay at home mom as family was very important to her. As a child growing up on the farm, Irene had a love of animals, they were all her pets. She was active in many sports such as baseball, golfing and curling and was a long time member of the Order of the Royal Purple.

Later in life Irene faced many challenges which would later be diagnosed as a form of Multiple Sclerosis. She faced the adversities with courage and strength throughout the rest of her life.

With strong will and determination and the help of the many dedicated care workers from CCAS, NILS and Home Support, whom she truly everyday appreciated allowed her to continue to live independently in her own home.

In April 2011 it became necessary for her to move into Rainycrest Long Term Care Facility where she once again adapted into her new lifestyle.

Irene is survived by daughter Maureen Thomson(Mark Paldio), two sons, Mel (Janine) of Mpls, MN and Brian (Louise) of Thunder Bay, ON and four granddaughters, Candice (Kris) Kadikoff, Christin of Fort Frances, Lauren (Jordan) Douglas, and Taylor Donnelly of Mpls. Mn. She is also survived by her brothers Sid (Eva) Ross and Gordon Ross of Fort Frances as well as many nieces and nephews. Irene was predeceased by her husband Murray Donnelly in 2005 and her brothers, Norman Ross, Delbert Ross (Sr), Donald Ross and her sisters Katherine Halvorsen and Margaret Summers.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 1, 2013 at 10:00am at Green Funeral Home with Reverend Barbara Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Knox United Church.

Pallbearers will be Mark Paldio, Kris Kadikoff, Jordan Douglas, Delbert Ross (Jr), Connie Haugo & Eva Costello. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the MS Society, Riverside Health Care Facility, Rainycrest Long Term Home Care or your charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, 600 Reid Avenue, Box 427, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.