On a sunny White Rock day, Irene passed to join her beloved husband Bill in Heaven.  She lived a long, full life of faith, love, courage and generosity with faith and family at the core of her being.  She is survived by her daughters Leslie Ann (Chris), Sandy, and Ali (Ian); her stepdaughter Judy; grandchildren Lauren (David), Lindsey (Morgan), Gregor (Ginger), Drew (Kristen), Jenna, Taylor and Logan; and great grandchildren Luca, Lachlan, Kendal, Weston, Ayla, January, and Finleigh.

Irene was born in a small town near Estevan, Saskatchewan to Raphael and Pauline Miiller.  Growing up on a farm during the depression and WWII brought hardship and hard work, but it gave her a strong constitution and a spirit that served her well. Life on the farm had its joys too, especially the gift of her stepsister Rose who was her best friend into her adult years. Those adult years began with her and Rose juggling care of their youngest sibling, Matthew, with work. Irene was skilled with numbers and enjoyed a successful career at the Bank of Montreal until she chose to focus on being a wife and mother.

Irene often spoke of how grateful she was for her long life; one that truly blossomed when she met & married Bill.  Throughout her life, Irene loved to dance and fondly remembered that was how she met her husband - on a dance floor at Temple Gardens in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. As newlyweds they moved from the Prairies to Victoria where he had been stationed for naval training in the Second World War.  They built a house on Kendal Avenue which became a loving home to the family which was her greatest joy.  Irene’s warmth and natural gift for hospitality were extended to their many friends in Victoria, where they lived for over 50 years.  Countless people, old and young, have delighted in Irene’s ability to set a beautiful table, cook a delicious meal and bake the most delectable pies, tarts and sweets.

Family life had a lovely rhythm that included membership at the Victoria Racquet Club where Irene and Bill were avid curlers and their girls learned to swim, skate and play racquet sports.  They began a tradition of yearly family vacations - first to Parksville and later to Kelowna - that transitioned into special occasion family reunions once their daughters were adults. As a couple they enjoyed travel with friends, Waikiki being their favourite destination.

Irene was a bridge player of some note.  She forged many deep friendships around the bridge table.  Enjoying a good walk and good competition, she took up the game of golf.  Though this was later in her life, the game came easy to her. As a member of Royal Colwood, and twice their ladies’ captain, she was known as a formidable entrant in club competitions, winning many. She played well into her 90’s and missed the game greatly when she no longer could partake.

A year after Bill’s passing in 2010, Irene relocated her life to South Surrey to be closer to her daughters.  Being very friendly, capable and independent it did not take long for her to be woven into the community. Never one to turn down a chance for a cup of coffee (with Bailey’s) or a glass of wine, Irene was a popular and active resident of Bishop’s Green. 

At Irene’s essence was a gift for hospitality, an interest in others and an overwhelming attitude of openness and grace.  A Christmas dinner at her house was always filled with joy and laughter and the table was a sight to behold.  She loved her church and was a faithful parishioner of St. Patrick’s and then Holy Cross in Victoria, and St. Mark’s in Ocean Park. 

Irene passes on to her daughters and their families a legacy of love that will be cherished forever.  Now she is free to bring that special personality and radiance to her new home in Heaven where her cup and her dance card will always be full.

A celebration of her life will be held at St. Mark’s Ocean Park Anglican church in South Surrey, 12953 – 20th Ave. at 1PM on October 9th.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation in honour of the tireless work of the men and women at Al Hogg Pavilion who took such great care of her in her final days.  Alternatively, you can donate to St. Mark Ocean Park Anglican Church where she rejoiced to celebrate her faith and was held up in prayer by a loving community. 

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