Irene Lena Mirecki

After a courageous battle with cancer, Irene passed away at 85 years of age at the Grace Hospice. Her journey continues in the Lord's hands in meeting her dear husband James along with many relatives and friends.

Irene was born in Yellowgrass, SK to Hulda and Johann Schmuland and the eldest to 10 brothers and sisters. Her journey had many stops which included moving to Green Bay (Beausejour) and eventually to Winnipeg. She met the love of her life, James Mirecki and was married in 1948. Together they raised three sons Stanley (Lucie), Frank (Lisa) and Gerald (Karla). With such a large family there were many family celebrations over the years and thus Mom's baking and decorating skills were very handy. Her career journey included working for the Gordon Hotels, Moore's Restaurant and the Red River Co-op Bakery. Mom's hobbies included collecting tea cups, crocheting and of course baking treats for her family and friends. Travelling with Dad to Hawaii, Radium Hot Springs or visiting her family, both east and west, were highlights. She was involved with the Catholic Women's League at St. Alphonsus Church for over 30 years and a volunteer in the Thrift Store for many years.

Mom was predeceased by her husband, James, parents Hulda and Johann Schmuland, as well as her in-laws, Nellie and Frank Mirecki, older brother Walter, younger brothers, Gordon and Johnny, sister Wanda Hastmann, sisters-in-law Karen Schmuland, Francis Mirecki, Helen Burlyo, brothers-in-law Richard Hastmann, Richard Lentz, Peter and Benny Mirecki, Stan Dolski, Steve Kowalchuk and Edward Burylo.

Her memory will be cherished by her three sons and daughters-in-laws; sisters Evelyn Lentz, Eleanor (Norman) Voss, Elsie (Gordon) Buss, Myrtle (Charles) Fisher, Rosie (Jim) Ferguson; brothers Danny (Gail) Schmuland; Randy (Pauline) Schmuland, sisters-in-law, Joan Schmuland, Stella Dolski, Margaret Kowalchuk, Jean Lannigan, and Emily Atamanchuk; grandkids - Marie Noelle (Taryn), Louis-Felix (Katie), Kayli (Brent), Joshua and great-grandson Jackson along with many nephews, nieces and cousins.

The family would like to thank the many relatives, friends as well as all of the staff who cared for our Mom, Grammie, Oma at Health Sciences Centre, St. Boniface General Hospital and the Grace Hospice. Your care was outstanding and compassionate.

A celebration of Mom's life will take place Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Klassen Funeral Home, 1897 Henderson Hwy. Cremation has taken place with a private family internment to take place at Holy Ghost Cemetery. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to CancerCare Manitoba, The Health Sciences Centre Foundation or the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.

Mom...you will be in our hearts forever!

Beddy Bye!