Irene Margaret Eleonore Jones (nee Wanlin), passed away in her sleep in the early morning of Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the age of 85 years.
Irene was born on June 23, 1937 in Kincaid, SK. She was predeceased by her parents, Two sisters, her son, son-in law, a niece and some beloved aunts.
Irene will be dearly missed by her two daughters, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, other family members and countless friends. Ireney as her father and youngest daughter called her affectionately; was a loving, sweet and funny woman. She loved pink, traveling, and babies of all species; especially kittens! To see Ireney, was to notice her deep, brown eyes; quick to cry or sparkle with laughter. Ireney didn’t want a memorial, but instead for people to remember the good and funny times they had with her; please share those memories on this page. That will be the greatest healing for those that love her. She requested to be cremated then pressed into a diamond. Ireney will leave a much larger hole than her tiny five foot frame would suggest. In lieu of flowers; as Ireney was passionate about animals, please consider donations to the Audubon nature institute.
Aftab says
Hi Tanya
I had a great time with her , a very loving and kind person she was . May God bless her soul in the hereafter! God bless you and give you patience to bear this great loss…
Tanya says
Hi, Aftab, Ireney really liked you. Thank you for the kind words <3
Janice Robertson says
My Good friend Irene, we had many laughs together she was a very sweet and loving person who loved to laugh. Although we were 40 yrs a part in age she had a young spirit which is why we connected so well. Our favorite times were spent at the womans show , having a great time ! I always cherished our friendship, she will be dearly missed but is
forever in my heart , my kindred spirited friend I love you ❤ RIP Ireney 💗
Tanya says
So lovely, Janice, thank you. Ireney also always spoke about the last time you went to the Stampede.
Tanya says
I will miss Ireney forever. She stood by me after my stroke. We helped each other, even though she had dementia. I remember her laughing so hard when I told her stories about my friends in New Orleans, and when I showed her photos of friends, and family, sometimes teary, but also great laughter, In those moments she seemed as her old self before dementia robbed her of memories. In the hospital she grasped my hand, and told me: “I want to stay with you forever, forever, forever,” with a sweet smile so much like her paternal grandmother Eleonore. I love you Ireney.
Julie Morrison says
Tanya, Sherri and family we are so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was the oldest cousin in the Wanlin family. She was seven years older than me and when I was young and she was in her teens I thought she was so “cool” and pretty and good natured.
Over the years as we moved back to Calgary we had many good times together. Family functions, the Stampede or the group of us at the Tropicana or Irene, mom & I at Phils having
” warmed up Coconut Cream Pie” as a treat.
In my heart she is still the young, pretty, “cool” cousin that we loved.
Julie & Bob
Tanya says
Coconut cream pie was a big part of her treat favorites. I remember Tropicana, and so did Ireney. Great memories, thank you, sweetie <3
Angela Morrison says
Even though Irene was my second cousin, I always thought of her and called her “Auntie Irene”. I have many fond, childhood memories with Auntie Irene and my cousin Tanya. But one memory as a young adult stands out the most. After my Grandma Marge’s funeral in Chase, BC I drove Irene back to Calgary. By the time we were in the area between Lake Louise and Banff, it was late evening and very dark on the highway. There weren’t any cars around us but quite a distance up ahead we could see this strange looking object moving on the road. As we were getting closer we kept saying to each other, “What in the world is that?!” Both of us at this stage were thinking it was an injured moose or something. Now I switched lanes and started to slow down. Then we couldn’t believe our eyes and both started laughing so hard we were crying. It was two guys on bikes, obviously drunk or something, and weaving all over the road! It was so funny that we spent a lot of the way home just laughing. It was what we needed to lift our spirits from the very sad day we had at my Grandma’s funeral. I will always hold that intimate memory of Irene, close to my heart.
Tanya, Sheri and family, may you cherish all your intimate, special memories of your dear, Ireney. I hope those memories will help you in your healing process.
Tanya says
Ireney would mention that trip back all the time, very nice, Angela <3
Sherri Delaval says
Mom I will miss you forever I have great memories that I will treasure for eternity you are with your mom and dad now rest in peace I love and will miss you every day till we meet again
Mandy Huzina says
So very sorry to hear of Ireney leaving this earth for a much better place.
We worked side by side for years. My fondest memory was our trip to Vegas -taking in shows & gambling. She always wore a great smile that one will never forget.
Those she’s befriended are much better off having know her . You were indeed a very caring, giving friend.we’ve lost touch over the years but you’ve always been near in thought!
Rest easy among the angles dear friend ❤️
Tanya says
Very sweet, Mandy. I feel like there are photos of Vegas, she spoke of that a lot, we had planned to go back to Blues Bender in Vegas. Thank you for your lovely words.
Judy Mammel says
Tanya, Sherri and family, I’m so very sorry to find that your Mom, my cousin, Irene, has passed away.
Although it’s been years since I’ve seen Irene, I vividly recall conversations (and laughs) with her. I fondly remember the sparkle in her eyes and the animation in her stories. I can still hear her say, “Now Judy… ”, as she’d begin.
I know you’ll miss her so much and pray that you’ll have peace and strength, and also joy in precious memories. ❤️
Tanya says
Thank you very much, Judy. She still remembered your dad, mom, and all of you girls telling me the story of Uncle Art turning around her dolls heads.