Irene Elisabeth Andrew

Beloved wife of William (Bill); mother of Christopher (partner Patricia) and Suzanne; grandmother of Jordan and Dalia; sister to Lillian and Darlene (and Edwin and Doris, predeceased); sister-in-law to Lynn; aunt to cherished nieces and nephews; and dear friend to many.

Irene grew up on an Alberta farm near Wetaskiwin, graduated from the University of Alberta as a registered nurse and met her husband when she volunteered to bring a group of pediatric patients to see the Moscow circus in Edmonton. (He also volunteered, then invited her for pizza.) After they married in 1966 Irene and Bill worked as a nurse and accountant in Wellington, New Zealand then toured Europe. The two world travellers then settled in Campbell River where they made lifelong friends, raised their children, and doted on their grandson every summer.

Irene worked at Bill’s accounting firm and in the office at Elk Falls Mill. At home she was an enthusiastic (and tireless!) baker, gardener, seamstress and crafter who loved music, movies, flowers and nature. She will be deeply missed for her wonderful stories, sense of humour, listening ear, constant reassurances, strong faith and considerable will. She was a force of love and courage to the end.

Funeral at Bethany Lutheran Church August 31, 2 p.m. Donations to the BC Cancer Foundation.