Irene Emma (Nee Pollinger) Bland

Suddenly on Thursday March 1, 2012, in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Wallace Bland. Loving mother of Diane (Gary Tamane) and Christine (Gord McKie). Dearest Nanny (Grandmother) of Chas, Brent, Brad, and Grant. Dear Aunt Rene of Lesley (Reg Cockerton), Glenn and Gary Pollinger. Predeceased by her brother, Peter Pollinger.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at the Church of the Incarnation, 15 Clairtrell Rd, North York on Tuesday, May 15th at 1:00 pm with a reception at the Church immediately following and then the interment at York Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Church of the Incarnation (formerly All Souls Anglican Church) or the Salvation Army would be appreciated by the family. Condolences to the family may be left at www.jerrettfuneralhomes.com

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Irene was born in London, England on December 9th, 1919 to Samuel and Emma Pollinger (nee Glover). She was the first Grandchild born to both sides of the close knit Glover and Pollinger clan. As both families enjoyed music and singing during the family parties, Irene learned to play the piano at a very young age and was designated the family piano player for all the family get-togethers.

Irene’s parents owned a furrier shop and she and her younger brother, Peter, worked in their teens helping in the family business of making fur coats, etc. which included some famous UK stars during this time. Irene also studied and worked as a Tailoress until the blitz on London.

Irene enlisted in the WRAF (Women’s Royal Air Force) and became a Wireless Mechanic. She changed the spark plugs in the radios of the RAF planes cockpits. She then tested them calling to the control tower.

After WWII Irene’s mother became ill with cancer and she helped nurse her at home during this time. When her mother died, she decided to become a nurse and studied nursing at Guildford, England.

Irene won the award for top RN nursing graduate. Irene did various types of nursing during her working career from looking after young babies to working at the Brompton Chest Hospital in London, England and with the War Vet’s. During this time she would live at the hospitals nurses’ residence.

Irene and another nursing friend decided they would travel around the world nursing. Their first nursing job was in Canada at the Simcoe, Ontario hospital where she nursed her future husband, a WWII Veteran, Wallace Bland

Irene and Wally were married on July 19th, 1958 in the Chapel at Sunnybrook hospital, Toronto, where Irene was currently nursing. A year later they welcomed twin daughters, Diane and Christine.

Wally always called Irene by his pet name for her, Polly. Then they become know as

‘Wally, Polly, and the Dollies'

Irene continued her nursing career at Sunnybrook hospital until she retired at 65 in 1984.

After retirement, Irene continued to enjoy her many hobbies and interests of Oil Painting, Knitting, Quilting, Sewing, Needlepoint, Crocheting, Gardening, playing the Piano, Calligraphy, Traveling, and working at the Church on the Altar Guild, All Souls Anglican Church, in Willowdale (North York) and member of the North York Senior Centre.

Irene enjoyed many wonderful trips with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed spending time and going on outings with her four Grandsons, Chas, Brent, Brad and Grant. Even though she didn’t know much about Canadian sports, she would also attend their hockey, baseball, and soccer games to cheer them on.

After Wally died May 1991, she continued to live in her North York home until she was 83 and then decided to move to a Retirement living residence in North York.

For Irene’s 92nd birthday this past December 9th, she was celebrated as ‘Resident-of-the-Month’ at the Rouge Valley Long term care.

Irene will be greatly missed by all her family and many dear friends.