June 7, 1933 - March 4, 2020
A child of the 1930's, Irene was capable, resilient and decisive. Only daughter of Reinhold and Rosalie (a polio survivor), Irene benefitted from their steady example and encouragement. "Where there's a will, there's a way." Predeceased by her parents, both brothers, Edgar and Roland (they teased her terribly and she pestered them), and by Kurt, beloved husband of 50 years.
Irene was born on the homestead at Porcupine Plain, SK, followed by a brief stopover in Rabbit Hills, AB enroute to a logging camp near Mabel Lake, BC; here her father found work during the Great Depression. In March 1943, her father found work in a peach packing plant and the Albrechts settled in Penticton. The children experienced the school setting for the first time - culture shock for scrappy Irene. She eventually adapted to group learning, and behaving! After-school jobs, babysitting, and summer jobs carried her forward. Grade 13 in Penticton, a year of Normal School in Victoria and, lo and behold, Irene became a school teacher! Her career took her to New Denver, Nelson, Chilliwack, Penticton, and finally: Nanaimo.
Being in their thirties, Mom and Dad fast-tracked to matrimony after they met. Wedding August 29, 1964. First home on Bowen Road, next to the cemetery ("quiet neighbours", Mom quote). To South Wellington in 1968, where Kathy and Mike were raised; there were plenty of farm and family activities, alongside Kurt's parents. Next stage was Woodgrove Estates trailer park, for 20+ years, a nice little community. Some modest travelling, Kurt's retirement. Small group with church family, morning coffee group with neighbours. Good years.
Nanaimo Seniors Village has been Irene's most recent residence, where she has displayed a special gift for welcoming newcomers and befriending the lonely. Kurt's death in 2014 was hard, but she soldiered on. They had been married for 50 years. 2019 was a year of change for Irene as her health began to impact her life. In early December, a fall resulted in a lengthy hospital stay. Irene then moved into long-term care at Nanaimo Seniors Village, and passed away peacefully six weeks later.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Brad Carnegie, her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Ann Bonkowski, and her grandchildren, Cameron and Miranda Carnegie. Also survived by sister-in-law Arlene Albrecht, Bonkowski relatives (appreciate you all) and friends past and present - in particular NSV friends for their loyalty and support towards Irene, and encouragement to us. Kathleen and Michael would also like to thank the medical staff at NRGH 6th floor and Transitions Unit. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Nanaimo Seniors Village. We will long remember your kindnesses.
The memorial service originally planned for Saturday March 28, 2020 is postponed. Instead it will be held at a future date.
"Mom, you were our greatest supporter and you will be greatly missed. Our world will never be the same."