Irene Mary Jane (Smith) Laurent

It is with deep sadness that we announce Irene’s passing peacefully with her family by her side at the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg one day before her 78th birthday.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: daughter Cheryl (David) Rimke; son Dennis(Juliet) and estranged son Jeff(Donna) of Winnipeg; grandchildren Charlena(Tim) Fedorowich, Reed and Owen Rimke, Riley and Cailin Laurent of Winnipeg; brothers Ray (Linda) Smith of Wetaskiwin, Ab., Wilfred Smith and sister-in-law Gwen Smith of Winnipeg; plus many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her loving husband Bill (Willem) Laurent; her parents David and Helen ( Marmonier) Smith; sister Priscilla Smith; brothers Richard and Gerry Smith; sisters-in-law Rose and Susan Smith all of Winnipeg.

Irene was born in Winnipeg on September 26, 1945 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Raised in St. Vital where she lived her whole life.

Pallbearers will be Reed Rimke, Tim Fedorowich, Derek Smith, David Petryshen, Glenn Marmonier, Doug Cook.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday October 5, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. with viewing at 10:45 a.m. at Christ the King Parish, 847 St. Mary’s Rd. Interment will follow at St. Vital Cemetery and a luncheon after at the Parish Hall.

Special thanks to Dr. Salem, Homecare Team, Riverside Lions Staff, doctors, nurses and support staff on N2E at Concordia Hospital.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresfuneralhome.com for the Laurent family.

----

Eulogy for Irene Laurent

Irene was born at St. Joseph's hospital on September 26, 1945, to David and Helen Smith of Winnipeg. Irene was raised in St. Vital and attended various schools in the district.

Irene met Willem (better known as Bill) Laurent at Grandma Marmonier's boarding house where Bill was rooming, and they were married June 6, 1964.

Irene loved to have fun. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. Irene was all about family; she loved her kids and her grandkids even more. She had a fondness for cats and dogs that was evident in the many hugs she shared with her own pets as well as those of her family and friends. Irene was always a great hostess; very welcoming; the coffee was on and served with good cake......there was always cake!

Besides being a homemaker, wife, and mother, Irene belonged to the Catholic Women's League and joined a Bowling League, as well. She began her career in food service at the Dakota Hotel by hiring on as catering staff and worked weekends. Irene shared many laughs and good times with her co-workers plus she made a little pin money for Bingo.

One year Bill decided to take the family to Belgium where he had been born. You would think the Laurent family had won the lottery or something! And that is exactly what happened.... Bill had won the Western Winsday Express Lottery. Not a millionaire but enough to have a family vacation to the old country.

Unfortunately, Bill passed away on December 24, 1997, losing a hard fought battle with cancer. Irene and Bill had only been married 33 years. Now a whole new journey began for Irene and her family. Irene moved to a smaller home and found employment at Vista Park Lodge as a Dietary Aide. Her love of preparing and serving good food did her well as she worked there for 8 years before taking a serving position in the dining room at Riverside Lions. Irene loved the residents and loved to care for them. If she could lift someone's spirits, bring a smile to their face, and maybe coax out a chuckle or two, it would make her day! Irene retired in 2010 at the age of 65 years.

Irene enjoyed sports, too. She cheered on her grandchildren at their games: Charlena in soccer; Reed and Owen in football. If the Jets, Bombers, or Blue Jays were televised, Irene's TV would be sure to be tuned in!

Irene loved music.... any kind of music....and she loved to dance! Socials and weddings were the highlights of her life! At her granddaughter, Charlena's, social and wedding last year once the music began, she barely sat down the entire evening. Irene loved a good party. Irene looked forward to visits from family and friends. She loved to meet up for a meal or even just coffee. Having a good time, laughing, sharing, and making memories always made Irene happy.

At this time, I will share a few words of remembrance from family members:

Cheryl: I remember when I was about 8 years old Mom took me to the hair salon. We both had our hair washed and set. I remember us sitting under the hairdryers together. Then we took the bus to Hudson's Bay and had lunch at the Paddlewheel. Afterwards we went shopping and then took the bus home. Mom would do this with me a few times a year. Our "Girls' Day Out"

Dennis: I was working night shifts while living at home. I remember days when Mom would haul me out of bed to take her to Bingo. It always made me laugh to see her get so excited when getting "a sweat on" but then when someone yelled "BINGO" she'd slam her hand on the table in frustration. It happened every time! Mom also liked her scratch tickets, especially Crosswords.

David: A man of few words...."Remotely fixing the TV remote." There's a story there......Ask him...

Juliet: Irene was very kind and loving. Every time we said good-bye after a visit or before hanging up the phone, she always said, "I love you and thank you." These words were full of love and affection from a mother-in-law who truly cared for and loved her daughter-in-law. She loved us taking her out to parks and having some ice cream or a burger while enjoying the nice summer outdoors. She has left beautiful memories in my heart, and I will always cherish these days with her.

Charlena: I remember the times I went to go do Grandma’s make up to get her all dolled up for some special occasion. She had such a love for Grandpa and now she can be with him in peace after 26 years.

Tim: A good memory is dancing with Grandma at our wedding last October. I think there’s a video somewhere…...

Reed: I spent a good chunk of my childhood with Grandma. Whether it was helping with yard work or something around the house, playing cards, or just having a sleepover, she always offered to treat me to a meal at Jolly Mug, KFC, or whatever Grandma was craving that day. We had a shared love of everything food!

Owen: I would take Grandma out shopping. When we got back to her place, we'd start packing her grocery cart but most of the time it wouldn't all fit, so we had to use a bag. She would become upset saying she had bought too much and felt so bad that I had to carry a bag. I'd reassure her by saying; "It's only just one bag, Grandma."

Ray: Ever hear the phrase; "Dine and Dash!"? One year on June 22-my birthday, we went for supper with Irene and Priscilla at the Jolly Mug, and we all left without paying the bill. The ladies had thought I had paid. I hadn’t planned on paying, since it was My Birthday! However, somewhat embarrassed, we returned the next day for another meal and to settle the bill. The owner was very gracious and had a good chuckle over it all. Good thing the girls were regulars there!

We all have stories and special memories of Irene. I welcome and encourage everyone to continue to share your memories of Irene as we fellowship later today.

In 2018 Irene moved to Riverside Lions. She already knew many of the residents there plus her sister, Priscilla, had lived at Riverside for several years. There were lots of activities to participate in at The Block which made this transition easier for Irene.

In December 2022, Irene began having health issues that were formally diagnosed in March of this year as a form of very aggressive cancer which progressed to stage 4 within an extremely short time. Considering this diagnosis, and with Irene's quickly advancing dementia, the family secured an apartment in supportive housing until she could have placement in a Personal Care Home.

Last month, on September 1st, Irene suffered a fall which fractured her hip. Successful partial hip replacement surgery took place, but Irene's physiotherapy and recovery were hampered by her dementia and her cancer was rapidly advancing. On Monday, September 25th, one day before her 78th birthday, with her loving family by her side, Irene peacefully passed into eternity.

The family had a small birthday party for Irene the day before her passing. A few days before, Irene had decided on an ice cream cake and that Sunday morning she chose to wear a pink party hat-pink being her favourite colour. We are so thankful to have been able to honour Irene with one last party. Coffee was on--smiles and laughter were shared--and she got to eat cake!

Irene will be missed but will always be:

Forever in Our Hearts.