Marie Irene Louise Wand

IRENE (TOOTSIE) LOUISE WAND (née Fontaine) passed away at the age of 87 on February 13, 2019, at the Langley Gardens Retirement Residence. Irene peacefully listened to a few passages of the Bible and several Elvis songs with niece Pat and great-niece Jennifer a few days prior.

She was predeceased by her parents: Alphonse and Marianne (née Beauvais); sons Roy and David; brothers Joseph, Henry, Pete, George, Léo, Tony, Louis, Ernest, and Sammy; and sisters Lina and Yvonne. Sisters-in-law Gisele (Ernest) and Leona (Sammy) along with numerous nephews, nieces, and friends are left to cherish her memory.

Irene was born in Winnipeg on April 25, 1931, the youngest of a family of 12. At the age of 15 her life was greatly affected by her mother’s lengthy illness and death. Irene’s studies suffered prompting her to start work at the Misericordia Hospital and subsequently at Mr.Christie’s Cookies before travelling to Vancouver where she married Earl Leck. They had 2 children, Roy and David who have since passed away. In 1956 Irene married Sid Wand. The couple’s warm and generous hospitality during family gatherings on their hobby farm created fond memories for all. Irene enjoyed travelling for many years and collected art and furniture as a pastime. Auntie’s home was akin to a gallery overflowing with eclectic pieces. Irene’s great sense of humor accompanied the trademark Fontaine twinkle in the eye. Her signature goodbye "Luv you kid" will be missed. Love you Auntie!

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Langley Gardens Retirement Residence for Irene’s care. Funeral Service will be held at the Henderson Funeral Home 20786 Fraser Hwy at 11:00 AM on March 9, 2019. Reception to follow until 2:00 PM. Open Mic sharing will be available for those who wish to share a memory.

A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation or to a charity of one's choice.