Irene Anna Eely

Irene was a much-loved Wife, Mother, Gigi, Sister, Aunty, Cousin and Friend.

Irene Anna Eely passed away Aug 16th, 2021 peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family and her strong faith in God. Born Nov 20th, 1953, in Port Alberni, British Columbia, to the late Hector and Jeanette Carriere.

Irene was a hard worker inside and outside of the home. She spent her working life in various positions at Sproat Lake Division, West Coast General Hospital, School District 70 and finally at APD. Her organizational skills served her well. Irene was always the friendly face that greeted and helped people.

Irene was the youngest of eight siblings and was the baby of the family. Irene’s younger years where spent roaming the halls of Smith Memorial Catholic School with her closest friends, nicknamed the God Squad, and backpacking through Europe.

Irene met Ray and they enjoyed forty five years of marriage together and had three beautiful red headed daughters. As a couple Irene and Ray shared a love of travel and adventure that took them on many Alaskan, Caribbean and European vacations. Ray and Irene enjoyed their time and property at Surfside in Parksville. Their days passed searching for moonshells on the beach with their grandchildren and their evenings spent with friends enjoying good company, canasta, fine wine and sunsets.

Irene’s greatest accomplishment was her family. Her 3 daughthers, and her 6 grandchildren felt her love, hugs and showers of kisses often. She loved braiding their hair or rocking her grandbabies to sleep with lullabies. Irene’s love and dedication to her family extended beyond her immediate family and she played a pivotal role in keeping her large extended family together. Irene and Ray’s door was always open for anyone to stop by for a cup of coffee, a beer or a game of bridge.

Irene leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by her loving husband Ray Eely, her children Jen (Richard), Kristel (Scott), and Danielle (Scott), her grandchildren, Cole, Emarie, Pepper, Archer, Tayah, Silas, and her beloved siblings, Anna, Roland, Florence, and Denise.

In Irene’s life she met every challenge with courage and grace and the end of her journey was no exception. Her warm hugs in the kitchen, her lullabies and her laugh will be remembered by all who loved her. With joy in our hearts, we will carry her love forever; she will be missed but never forgotten.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In memory of Irene, donations to the Covenant House Vancouver is appreciated:

Covenant House Vancouver

1302 Seymour Street,

Vancouver, BC V9Y 2P5