IRENE ISOBEL MCLACHLAN, passed away with her family at her side at the Milk River Health Center on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at the age of 95 years.

Irene was predeceased by her beloved husband Archie in 1979, her parents, James & Julia Edwards, sister, Bette, brother, George, niece, Julie, grandson, Todd Leigh, sisters-in-law Janet, Lillian & Pat, brothers-in-law Jim, Hugh and Andrew.

She is survived by her son Gavin (Lynn) McLachlan of DeWinton, Alberta, two daughters, Sandra McLachlan of Calgary and Heather (Victor) Haddad of Milk River; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one brother-in-law Ian McLachlan of Red Deer; two sisters-in-law Mavis (Dick) Botter of Vancouver and Betty Ostby of Coutts. 

Irene was born July 1st, 1920 in Moffat, Scotland. She spent her early childhood in Dumfryshire and later moved to Glascow. After high school, she worked and studied bookkeeping and accounting.  Irene enlisted in the Royal Air Force at the onset of WW2 where she was a Plotter.  She met Archie, fell in love and they married on November 11th, 1944.  The following year, Irene arrived in Canada as a war bride and she started her life and family on the farm east of Coutts.

She spent the rest of her time in Coutts where she enjoyed reading with students, knitting, crocheting, playing cards, ceramics and embroidery.  She also loved curling and when she was no longer able to participate she would still watch intently.

Irene loved to travel.  When she was 91 she attended her granddaughter’s (Krystle) wedding in Las Vegas and a year later she attended her granddaughter’s (Melanie) wedding in Palm Desert.  A compulsive volunteer, Irene was always active in the community. She was a board member for the Prairie Rose Lodge and was the Treasurer for the United Church for many years. She had a unique sense of humor and a quick wit.  Her quiet courage, strength of spirit, creativity and sense of humor will be carried forward by those who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank her long-time friend and physician, Liesl (Dr. Lewke-Bogle); Dr. Peter Krog; Margaret McCanna (Administrator) and the staff of the Milk River Health Centre; homecare attendant, Rosemary Jubb. Special thanks to her friend and care-giver, Kelly Thiessen, as well as her pinochle girls: Mardell, Joanne, Kathleen, and Gert.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at the COUTTS COMMUNITY CENTRE on Saturday, June 25th, 2016 at 2 P.M. with Pastor Keith Dangerfield officiating.  Irene will be laid to rest beside her husband at a later date.  In memory of Irene please make a contribution to the Coutts Fire Department.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2016-06-21
• Location : Milk River, Alberta