June 10, 1930 - June 14, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our
precious Mom, Gramma, Auntie and friend. Irene has made
her transition to the next adventure.
Irene Lucille Castelane (Rawles). “Pickles” Passed away
peacefully at Southlake Residential Care Village in her 89th
year. Beloved wife of Ernest Jack Castelane (1928-2017).
Irene and Ernie were married for 67 years. Loving Mother of
Linda, Deborah and Janine (Mark). She will be lovingly
remembered and sadly missed by her grandsons Caelan and
Braedan. Loving sister-in-law of the late Ron (June 20, 2018)
and his wife Patsy as well as her nieces and nephews Karen (Dan), Cole
(Carla), Susan (George) and Mark (Olana) and their families.
Loving Auntie of Karen (Bob) , Bobby (Cathy) and their
families. Irene is predeceased by her 3 older brothers Eddy,
Harry and Orville, Mother Alvina and Father George Rawles.
Irene was born in Humboldt Saskatchewan in 1930, it was the
Great Depression. Irene, her 3 older brothers, Mother and
Father moved to a farm just outside of town for the next
several years. They had a few cows, chickens and 2 horses.
Irene’s love of animals began early, she could be seen daily
riding her horse Pearl a big white mare. She first sat on Pearl
when she was barely 3 years old. Irene was athletic and
active her whole life. When Irene was 11 they moved back
into town (Humboldt).
Irene was 13 years old when her girlfriend and herself were
lying in the grass on Irene’s front yard staring into the blue sky
dreaming up nick names for each other. They both decided to
call each other “Pickles”. It stuck with Irene for the rest of her
life, being Pickles to her last breath. Most of Irene’s friends,
nieces and nephews all call her ‘Pic” (Auntie Pic), and her
grandsons call her “Gramma Pickles”.
Irene completed high school and continued on to secretarial
school. Irene met Ernie in Humboldt where he worked in the
Royal Bank on Main Street. They fell in love and got married.
Irene gave birth to daughters Linda and Deborah whom are 2
years apart. Irene became a mother and a home maker, she
was a fantastic cook and could fix almost anything. Ernie’s
career took them to Winnipeg, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto
back to Calgary, after 9 years back to Toronto (Janine was
born). When Janine was in elementary school Irene went to
work at George Hatcher Florist, she loved it there and stayed
for several years.
They stayed in Toronto for 21 years then off to live in Calgary
again for another 5 years. Finally retiring to Newmarket for 26
years.
When Irene and Ernie retired they bought a home in Florida
near friends and would spend part of the year there golfing
and enjoying life.
Irene began art lessons at the senior centre and continued
her studies with artist Donna Cameron. Irene created beautiful
watercolours for 20+ years until she suffered several strokes
that reduced the ability of her hands.
Irene loved life and enjoyed so many activities. She loved
animals of all kinds dogs, cats, horses, birds and all of natures
creatures. She loved riding horses, walking and being in the
forest, she loved the mountains, travelling, camping, downhill
and cross-country skiing, art/painting, live theatre, music,
gardening, tai chi, yoga, bike riding, ceramics, crossword
puzzles, photography, curling and golf. In fact she golfed
practiced yoga and tai chi until she was 82 years of age.
Irene and Ernie were members at the Bayview Golf and
Country Club for many years where they golfed and curled in
many tournaments with their good friends. There were many
parties and festivities.
Pickles was a woman that enjoyed all kinds of different
people without judgement and felt comfortable in many
different environments and situations.She enjoyed family
dinners, outings and watching her grandsons activities. She
enjoyed spending time in women’s circles drumming and
singing, and enjoyed connecting with her friends at Unity, a
Spiritual group in Newmarket.
Irene loved her family deeply, she was beautiful inside and
out. She was creative in so many different ways. She had
incredible compassion and love for others, she was strong
and wise and had a pure heart. Irene made this world a better
place. We will miss you dear heart. To the moon and back
again plus a zillion.
We would like to thank the incredible Dr. Karen Rodriguez and
the wonderful Nurses and Caregivers (PSW’s, Dietian’s, Co-
Ordinator’s, Receptionist’s, Carol’s Salon) truly such an
incredible group of people at the Southlake Residential Care
Village on 2 West. They all cared for Irene with the utmost
love, respect and supported her dignity in the last 2 years of
her life.
We would like to thank Irene’s private caregiver Jeremy
Fielding in going beyond what was expected and created a
special friendship with Irene that made her so happy.
Everyone loved Irene as she was kind, generous, loving, had
a wonderful sense of humour and the best smile ever.
We are honouring Irene with a Celebration of her life on
Sunday June 24th, 2018 in the Chapel of the Thompson
Funeral Home (530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON) at
4:30 pm, you are all welcome to join our family for a buffet
dinner after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the
World Wildlife Society in memoriam of Irene would be greatly
appreciated. Thank you all for your love, kindness and
support.
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