Irene Ellen Bacon

She is predeceased by her mother and father, Anne and Basil Partridge, brother Fred Partridge and sister Gail Partridge.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Brian; children Colleen (Don), Laurie (Randy), Shannon (Mark); grandchildren Tamara (Richard), Jeff (Lynnsay), Courtney (Brandon), Amanda (Luke), Jesse (Alyssa) and Emma; great-grandchildren Jacob, Bailey and Scarlett; brother Bob Partridge and sister-in-law Judy Partridge.

Irene was born on July 23, 1938 in Winnipeg. She grew up in the North End and she was very proud of her “North End street smarts.” She attended Luxton School and Tec Voc High School. She worked as a secretary at CNR Station and Symington Yard. She met her husband Brian while working at the CNR, their first date was to see the movie Old Yeller. They were married on June 9, 1962.

Irene devoted her life to raising her three daughters; family was everything to her. As a young mother she enjoyed sewing, baking, and attending her girls’ many baton competitions. Many weekends were spent at Mom Partridge’s house playing cards, singing, and having a drink or two. One can never forget the famous Partridge parties in the basement. Many summers were spent at their beloved cottage at Grand Marais, where friends and family gathered for many bonfires and happy times. As the kids grew older, Irene went back to work at the St. Vital Curling Club and then at Superstore, where she later retired.

Irene was a very devoted Grandma and loved to have the grandkids over for many, sleepovers which included treats and her famous chocolate cake. She was always the happiest at home surrounded by her kids and grandkids.

Irene loved to watch curling, figure skating and her beloved Blue Bombers, GO BIG BLUE! She had a heart of gold and will always be remembered for her warm personality, her laughter and her unforgettable smile. Her favorite quote was “never underestimate the power of a simple smile.”

Mum always said her daughters were the wind beneath her wings, but she was truly ours.

A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at a later date.

MUM

Tonight, we name a star Irene to replace

her dimming light from us her family

She never wanted more than plain and

simple things but always gave from her heart

You taught the girls to love, laugh

and smile, even to cry once in awhile

Your lessons of life we will continue,

known to the family as the Bacon factor

For Brian your partner you can be assured the

love you shared is alive in the family that arose

Even though you let Brian be the boss

he knew loving and losing you

would be his greatest loss

Your boys teased you sometimes to wits end

not really knowing it was you

showing us to live, love and laugh

Your grandkids’ faces have permanent grins

put there by you through memories

of fun and a chocolate bar or two

Thank you, Irene, for your lessons

of how life should be lived

Although your light here with us

has dimmed somewhere over the

skies of Grand Marais a star remains bright

Good Night Irene Good Night