IRENE PLETT

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Helen Plett (née Toews), on July 11, 2019, in the care of her family at Boundary Trails Health Center, at the age of 76 years.

Born on October 3, 1942 to parents Ed Toews and Anna Reimer, Irene was raised on the farm in Giroux, Manitoba. Moving into town for her first job at just 15, she worked as a telephone operator, sending home her earnings to support the family. From there she worked several jobs in the city, including working as a nurses’ aid in Winnipeg.

She would soon after meet and marry Willy (Bill) Plett and start their family; the true joy of Irene’s life. Irene felt blessed to be given her three children Michael (Debbie), Cheryl (Corrie) and Deborah (Ben), whom she would raise together with Bill in a Christian home sharing her love of the Lord and faith in His promises.

Bill and Irene would live in several cities including Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ear Falls, Ontario, Thompson, Manitoba, a country property near Ile Des Chenes, Manitoba and Calgary, Alberta before settling back in Winnipeg to spend time with their numerous grandchildren; who now include Devin, Nicholas, Amara, Brianna, Perry, Jonathan, Carmen, Shaylyn, Geoffrey, Riley, Madeline, Sawyer, Ella and great-grandchildren Aria, Amelia, Xander and Matilda. Irene was a devoted and doting grandmother, taking great joy in spoiling her grandkids with treats, outings, and her famous homemade doughnuts - along with countless amazing home cooked meals. She was present for sporting events, art shows, book launches and musical recitals. She often said that she counted her blessings in her children and grandchildren.

Irene was talented at making people and events feel special; she never forgot a birthday, she loved to give gifts and celebrate others with a remarkable generosity of spirit. Her special gift was discovering and creating beauty. Whether this be in her appreciation of flowers and nature, or her love of travel and decorating, she was always finding and savouring beautiful surroundings.

After Bill passed in 2004, Irene eventually re-located to Morden, Manitoba to be closer to Cheryl and her family living there.

Irene had numerous long-term friendships, some that spanned almost 70 years and others just as dear that she formed in these last years living in Morden. She loved her friends dearly and found great joy in their companionship, often travelling together, keeping up with the “birthday club”, cooking for each other and being together through hardship. When we asked her what was the secret to maintaining such beautiful, life-long friendships, she said simply “we must all exercise forgiveness and know how to apologize.”

Irene’s last days were spent in the company of friends and family, sharing love and comfort in the sudden news of her illness. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. We would like to express gratitude to the wonderful staff of the palliative unit at Boundary Trails Health Center for making her last days as comfortable as possible.

​

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in a photo-tribute, eulogy, stories and condolences for the family by using the comments section of this page.

A celebration of her life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodière Boulevard.

​

In lieu of flowers, please plant a rosebush in memory of Irene.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​