Irene Eva Harms

Irene (Renee) is survived by her husband Victor Harms of Chilliwack, BC; their children Lorraine Mitchell of Chilliwack and Doug Harms of Malahat, BC; their son-in-law Terry Mitchell of Chilliwack; grandchildren Dan (Claire) Mitchell, Catherine (Bryan) Schindle and Ryan (Sarah) Harms; one great-granddaughter Emily Mitchell; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Margaret Dehn (nee Braun); and her older sister Leonora (Dave) Epp.

Renee moved with her family from Saskatchewan to British Columbia when she was five years old. When she was thirteen, a new boy from Manitoba came to her school. Vic was fourteen and they spent time together in church and Sunday School as well. By high school graduation they were “steadies.” Renee lived on Adams Road in Greendale with her parents and sister until their house was flooded in the 1948 flood when she was eighteen. Renee then moved into a rooming house with her sister Leonora. When Leonora married, Renee moved into a smaller room in the rooming house where she continued living with her husband Victor after they were married on May 20, 1949 in Greendale.

Once their daughter was born, they bought a house on Third Avenue in Chilliwack where they lived for five years. When their son was born, they moved to a larger home on Barber Drive and later, in 1966, they moved to their current home on Valemont Street where they found great enjoyment watching the goings on in the park behind them.

Throughout her life Renee worked as a nurse’s aid, ran a flooring shop, volunteered in the hospital gift shop, and worked in both her husband’s and son in law’s accounting practices. She worked at the latter well into her eighties. Renee and Vic were members of the Kinsmen Club for many years as well as a few bridge clubs where they connected with many dear, life-long friends.

Renee and Vic enjoyed travelling many places together over the years and Renee often reminisced about their trips to such places as London, Grand Cayman, and Egypt. Renee had a love for sunflowers and was an avid knitter. She always had a stockpile of baby blankets, sweaters, hats, mittens, and socks ready to help welcome the newest baby born to her family and friends.

Renee will be remembered for her great love for family, how she “adopted” many others as her family as well with her door always open policy and showing her love through sharing food such as cookies, meatballs, raisin tarts, and peanut butter balls.

A celebration of life will be held in either Spring or Summer of 2024. Details still to be determined.