Irene Elizabeth Tillett

December 26, 1914 – October 9, 2017

After a lengthy illness on Monday, October 9, 2017, at Red River Place Personal Care Home, Mom passed away at the age of 102 years.

Irene was born on a farm in St. Andrews, one of twelve children and met her husband Fred when he came to work at the farm. They were married prior to him leaving for overseas to serve in the Second World War. After the war mom farmed in the Petersfield area with her husband until retiring in 1967. It was during this time that mom worked as a nurses aid at the Selkirk Mental Hospital for a total of 23 years. She was also an avid bowler and curler.

Once in Selkirk, Irene offered room and board to many hockey players for the Selkirk Steelers, staff at the Mental Hospital and even the chief engineer whose job it was to build the ship “Lord Selkirk II”.

It was during her retired years that Irene got involved in volunteering in the community. She was an active member at the Gordon Howard Centre where she belonged to the quilting group, played bridge twice a week and delivered meals on wheels to those in need.

Irene was a constantly visiting people in hospital or driving people to and from shopping and picking up people who didn’t drive and taking them to doctors appointments or to various whist drivers.

As a result of her volunteer work, Irene was awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in April of 2009.

Irene was predeceased by her parents, George and Margaret Patton; husband Fred; son Barry; 7 brothers and 4 sisters. Mom leaves to mourn her passing one son, Terry, wife Donna and daughter-in-law, Dorothy; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A private family memorial service will take place at a later date.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Red River Personal care home for their care and compassion shown to Irene.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gordon Howard Centre, 384 Eveline St. Selkirk, MB R1A 1N3.

Condolences may be left at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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