Irene Emily Roberts

1922-2012

Your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth. – Isaiah 58:8

On Sunday, March 18th, our Mom began the journey she stoically waited for. Irene was taken into God’s Light just as she lived – quietly, in control, with no fuss, no pain and with family at her side. She rejoins her devoted husband of 64 years, Rev. Frederick Roberts. We do not mourn the frail woman she became, but will lovingly remember our gracious, clever, laughing, blue-eyed Mom and Grammie, cherishing memories of a lady whose first concern was her family, who took interest to their lives, knew the power of noodle soup, was always there when needed.

Irene’s children and their spouses, Cate and Peter Gnish, Laurie and Corinne, Jamie and Karen, Rose and Karl Strohminger, and her grandchildren Jordan, Lisa, Scott, Kristen, Jacob, Ross and Jessica were her pride and joy. Born in Winnipeg to Katherine and Jacob Worster, Irene grew up in a community made rich by close family, good friends and the Church. To the end she spoke fondly of her sister Lila (and Harry), her brothers Bill (and Marg), Paul (and Eleanor) and Alec (and Agnes), and her dear friends Annette and Doris. During her married life with Rev. Fred, she worked tirelessly beside him as a committed Christian in their United Church congregations in Winnipeg, Schreiber, Durham, Chatham, Galt and Kitchener. A loving Mother, Irene instilled the joy of reading, music, travel, cooking, fashion, languages, baseball and adventure as well as the sense of service in her children. We looked to her for the example. As a wife she was a travelling companion, a confidante, a listener, a soul mate, a beautiful dancer at Military Balls and always an anchor no matter what the storm.

Irene was thankful for her good life. Unfortunately for the past two and a half years she has had to rely totally on care given by others - at Emmanuel House Hospice then St. Joseph’s Villa, especially on Rose Garden. The family warmly thanks everyone who extended gentle concern and dignity to Irene and made her ‘last’ days comfortable.

On Friday, March 30th, a Celebration of Irene Roberts’ life will take place at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W. Kitchener. Visitation is 12-2 p.m.; Service at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following.

Please sign the Book of Condolences at www.ratzbechtelfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Christian Blind Mission or a charity of your choice.