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Irene Dobson

Image by Nick Andréka

IRENE FRANCES DOBSON

(née BURGESS)

February 27, 1933 - May 28, 2023

Irene passed with dignity and grace surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the golden age of 90.

 

She is survived by her sister Pat (Grant) her eight children Ron (Charmaine), Gary (Pierrette), Kathy (Mike), Cheryl, Shawn (Teresa), Todd (Janice), Pam, Brad, 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and growing.

 

Irene grew up in New Osgood, Saskatchewan. Her childhood in the 30’s and 40’s on the farm was a simple lifestyle where she lived off the land with loving parents and 7 siblings. She had a special love of horses and had her very own horse before the family moved to Aldergrove, BC when she was 12 years old. There she enjoyed softball in high school and worked side jobs like picking berries for extra cash.

 

After graduation she carried on to join the Air Force to become a meteorologist which brought her to Ottawa where she went on to marry and have 8 children. The final relocation brought her to Winnipeg where she planted her roots and lived out her life.

 

After her time in the Air Force, Irene worked decades in hospitality as a cocktail waitress, and eventually the dining room manager at the International Inn hotel. You could see her at the Inn or run into her at one of her side jobs, whether that was slinging drinks at the Silver Heights Restaurant or working a banquet at the Viscount Gort Hotel. Irene made some lasting friendships in hospitality, some even considered extended family.

 

Irene was a dedicated mom who worked hard to support her family. She could stretch a penny a mile long, on her work breaks she would study the horse racing program and usually won enough to cover her utility bills.

 

Irene loved gardening, bowling, attending the racetrack, her trips to South Beach Casino, her cruises, watching her sports, (she was an avid a hockey fan), watching the Golden Girls, Jeopardy & keeping her mind sharp playing Scrabble, and working on Sudoku and crosswords puzzles.

 

Her greatest pride was her family. Her grand and great grandchildren brought her much joy- her eyes would light up whenever she saw them. It wasn’t often that she didn’t have a child on her lap or in her arms.

 

Irene had many admirable qualities to her. She was a strong-willed woman, fiercely independent, had a quick wit, and never shied away from saying what was on her mind, she would literally tell you how it is. She shared many memorable adventures over the years with family and friends.

 

Irene will live on through her family, in the memories we share and the qualities we’ve been blessed to have learned from her and carry on with us. There is a little bit of Irene in all of us.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Sandi Smedvik

November 7, 2023 at 12:06 PM

Irene was such a fun loving person, we all worked for many many years at the International Inn. She worked closely with my Mom Kay. She was always able to make everyone around her laugh and she always had a shoulder to lean on as well. To the Dobson family my deepest sympathy to you all. What a wonderful lady, she will be missed.  RIP Irene. 

Cyndee Pich

September 18, 2023 at 10:17 PM

❤ my condolences to the Dobson family! Irne was to the point, funny, hard working and a wonderful worker/Mom! She worked alongside my Mom, Kay, for what seems a 1000 years.  Many mems at the II! God bless you and rest sweet lady.   Cyndee 

Robert Duehmig

June 24, 2023 at 9:41 AM

❤Irene was a great co-worker. Also a friend. She was a hard worker during my time as Chef at the International Inn Hotel. I worked with her for about 18 years. Dedicated to her work. I will miss you. With all our love. Robert and Patty Duehmig. ❤

Angelina

June 21, 2023 at 2:33 AM

My great grandma was very special too me I was her first great grandchild, she taught me how to garden how to knit and she always told it how it was, she was never someone to beat around the bush I will never forget the things she taught me and I will never forget the love and kindness she showed me and everyone around her you will be forever missed but never forgotten I love you great grandma ❤️~Angie 

BrendaCarnahan

June 19, 2023 at 6:01 PM

My condolences to the whole family   i knew Irene through my ex husband Paul and both Gary and Ron  . IRENE was a great lady. 

Nicole Gamble

June 16, 2023 at 8:41 PM

Though our family Matriarch has passed, you ensured all of our roots were firmly planted. Deeply devoted to your garden, watering where it needed watering and pulling the weeds that needed pulling. Whether the sun was shining over us or a storm was passing through, you were always there to care for us, love and guide us as we grew. You will live on forever in our memories & in our hearts. Love you always, Grandma ❤️🥺

Paul Carnahan

June 14, 2023 at 8:29 AM

As I write this, Irene Dobson,  is on her last trip with her family to Aldergrove B.C.   Mothers provide for our EMOTIONAL needs, they give us a sense of WHO WE ARE, why we are IMPORTANT and why we are a FAMILY! ** Lumsden Avenue was DOBSON CENTRAL, it is where ALL family was welcomed.   In times of stress some showed up and stayed until life became manageable again. For 60 years I have been a welcomed visitor to this family. DOBSON CENTRAL may have left us, but the memories remain-30-

Don and Melodie (Sleeva)

June 14, 2023 at 7:20 AM

Heartfelt condolences to all.   Irene was surely a one-of-kind woman who lived a very full, remarkable life and raised a mighty fine family.  ❤

James, Paddy and Chris

June 13, 2023 at 10:30 PM

Wishing condolences for everyone in the family. Every special day I spend with the boys serves as a great reminder of a great woman and all she brought us ❤️

Stella Zorzos

June 12, 2023 at 2:19 PM

Heartfelt condolences Todd, Janice and of course to all the family. May she rest in peace and God give you the strength to remember her in her happy times.❤

Joan Wood

June 10, 2023 at 7:04 PM

So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing to all of you. We were such good friends during our working days. RIP Irene with love.   Joan Wood

Sandy Dimma

June 10, 2023 at 1:40 PM

Heartfelt condolences to the family. I was lucky enough to have met Irene back in the day. A beautiful lady who called a spade a spade! and in whose home I always felt welcome. Rest in Peace

Suzie Perrin

June 10, 2023 at 10:52 AM

Sincere condolences to you, Gary & Pierette, and of   course, your entire family 🙏🏻. Suzie & Wilf

Rob & Denise

June 10, 2023 at 10:10 AM

Brad, Gary,  sorry to hear about your mom's passing. We remember lots of stories from you about your mom. We know you loved her very much.

Diane Burke

June 10, 2023 at 9:48 AM

So very sorry to hear the passing of your mom, Brad and Gary.  Brad, you shared many lovely stories of your mom over the years. Our thoughts are with you.  Neil and Diane Burke ❤
DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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