Iris Madore

With great sadness, we announce that our wonderful Mom has died. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack Madore, and son, Fred. She leaves to mourn her children - Margot Banks (John), Monica Madore (Linda), Jennifer Jasechko (Gordon), Bob Madore (Vonny) and Pierre Madore (Carla) along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Iris was born in the spring of 1930, in Mundare Alberta, the fourth daughter of first-generation Ukrainian prairie homesteaders. Life was hard during the Great Depression and the family with nine children were poor, but she and her sisters were industrious, fun-loving, close-knit and mischievous.

Iris was gifted with a beautiful singing voice. Throughout her childhood, she and her sisters performed at family gatherings, church services and harvest meals. She traveled miles on foot or in a horse-drawn buggy to local talent contests and often won first prize awards of $5.00, which she gave to her mother. Her abilities to read and write music and play the piano and organ were self-taught. She was her own voice coach.

Iris excelled in school and went to secretarial college. She married Jack Madore in 1951, a World War II amputee. Their family of six moved from Edmonton to Ottawa for Jack's civil service work in 1959, where two more sons were born.

Iris was an excellent cook, especially of traditional Ukrainian dishes. She sewed all the family's clothes, knit sweaters, and baked her famous chiffon cakes with seven-minute frosting for every birthday. She was the choir director of the local church, sang for funerals and weddings, and was musical director for a local theatrical group. She was also the corporate head office secretary for a national insurance company.

Widowed at age 50, Iris enrolled at Charlton University and earned her Bachelor's degree in Russian literature and translation. Following the death of her eldest son, Iris sold the family home and moved to BC in her prized Toyota Celica sports car - the first of many solo driving adventures. She criss-crossed Canada and western USA several times.

Iris settled first in North Vancouver, once again directing the local church choir and performing with her choir at the Plaza of Nations for Expo 86. In 1988 Iris moved to Victoria and bought a new house on 1/3 acre of clay. She spent years turning that lot into a showcase garden - her pride and joy. She was also the choir director for the local Portuguese Catholic church where she learned the language and made many friends.

When Iris decided she could no longer maintain her house or beloved garden, she moved into assisted living and eventually into long term care. She missed her independence but made the best of the situation.

Always ready with a laugh and sense of adventure, she will be deeply missed. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Stanford Seniors Village and Comfort Keepers for their loving care. A private celebration of Mom's life will be held by the family. If you wish to remember Mom, please donate to the charity of your choice or bake a cake and share it with friends and family.