She was born January 29, 1929 in Esquesing Township, ON, the 6th of 9 children of Howard and Mary Ann Bradley. She married the late Glenn Saunders in 1949.
She was our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Irene will be deeply missed by her children John (Judy) of Rockwood and Judy (Ron) of Campbellville;
Grandchildren Trish (Jeremy), Glenn (Kimberly), Mike, Leigh and Steve (Heather)
Great-grandchildren Madi, Chance, Ben and Autumn
Sister Phyllis (Peter) Belford
Irene was predeceased by her parents, husband Glenn and siblings John, Bill, Roy, Marion, Wilma, Edna and Alma.
Irene grew up in a large close knit family on a farm in Hornby. She lived her entire life on Trafalgar Road- an active member of the community, with hard working values, volunteering in countless community events.
Irene proudly worked in the Controller’s Office at the Ford Assembly Plant in Oakville for 28 years. After her retirement she co-authored “The Early Days of Ford’s Oakville Assembly Plant” and was editor of the “9th Line” a monthly newsletter for the Ford Salaried Retirees association for many years. Irene had a keen interest in local history – served on the boards of the Halton County Museum, The Ontario Agricultural Museum, contributed to the Trafalgar Township Historical Society, researched ancestry and recorded histories of relatives and local Hornby residents.
Irene was deeply committed to her family. Widowed at a young age, Irene raised her two children as a single mother. She always made Christmases magical and supported her children in all their endeavors. She was the resident ‘mother’ to many Surchers Car Club members for 48 years and a familiar ‘pitcrew’ at numerous endurance riding competitions.
Irene loved becoming a Grandmother and Great Grandmother and created experiences and magical childhood memories for them to cherish in their hearts forever.
Most people who met or knew Irene remember her for her beautiful smile. A mild stroke in 2017 took away Irene’s words but left her smile that connected her to and endeared her to everyone.
Irene loved to make other people smile – performing as Toby the clown, delivering cookies as Mrs Claus and doing her delightful Charlie Farquharson imitations.
Remarkably strong willed, determined and independent, she was equally at home with power tools building bluebird houses, rototilling, cutting grass, planting trees, sewing Halloween costumes, baking and cooking for large groups or clogging with friends.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at The Elliott Community for their exceptional care and compassion.
At Irene’s request, no service will be held.
To offer your sympathy, the family request that you perform a random act of kindness in Irene’s honour.
Memorial donations also be may be made to Alzheimers Society or charity of the donor’s choice.
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