Irene Wilson

The family of Irene Wilson is sad to announce that she passed away peacefully at Bethany Care Centre, Calgary, Alberta, in her 91st year, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. Irene was the beloved wife of Rev. Franklin Wilson who predeceased her by 10 years. Irene and Frank had a long and happy marriage of 60 years and were the parents of eight children who all survive her: Diane (Ron Reeder), Doris (David Scorgie), Les (Janine), Faye (Rick Hausauer – deceased), Janice (Rick Hook), Frank (Debbie), Wayne (Zhu Yi) (Susan Leader - deceased), Gary (Julia). Irene was a wonderful, fun-loving grandmother and great-grandmother, adored by her devoted grandchildren (24) and great-grandchildren (17). Irene was predeceased by her parents and all of her siblings. She will be greatly missed by her family, her nieces and nephews and other relatives, as well as her many, many friends. We were happy that she was able to celebrate her 90th birthday last February with friends and family, enjoying (as always) a good party!

Irene was born on February 2, 1930 to George Frederick Lee Ewing and Jessie Lee Ewing (nee Skelton) at Drumheller, Alberta. She was the first child in her parents’ family of nine to be born in a hospital. Irene loved being the youngest in a large family and was very close to all her siblings and their children all her life. Irene married at 19 and thoroughly enjoyed her role as the strong matriarch of the family, guiding the children in education, sports, music and major life decisions, all the while producing 3 square meals every day, growing most of the family’s vegetables in her own back yard until a few years ago. She was resourceful, having skills many would hardly recognize today, sewing, knitting, baking bread, upholstering her own furniture (with help from Frank, of course). She made hard work seem like fun! When 5 of the 8 kids were taking music lessons, she used to take along a novel to read while waiting, it was her “free time”. Irene was a committed Christian, wife of a missionary/minister and was consistently involved in church activities and the community at Bethel Baptist Church, where she was a member for more than 50 years. Other interests included taking painting courses and holidaying in parks across Alberta and BC for many, many years; she and Frank enjoyed traveling to England and Wales, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Europe and even, once, to Africa, after the children were grown.

We will miss her and her bright spark that enlivened us and kept us close. She and Frank shared a deep faith and love of God. In her last days, she longed to be with her husband and now they are together again.

A private family interment will take place immediately to be followed by a Celebration of Life at a later date, once restrictions have been relaxed. If desired, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.