Irene Myrtle McMurtrie

March 28, 1935 - September 5, 2019
With great sadness we announce the passing of Irene Myrtle McMurtrie at the Comox Valley Hospital with family by her side on Sept.5, 2019 at the age of 84.
Irene was born at the family farm near Melita, Manitoba, the third of seven children.
She is predeceased by her parents Maurice and Grace Lavigne and her sisters Evelyn and Frances.
Irene is survived by her husband of 57 years, John, her son Gary, her daughter Sandra (Cecil), her brothers Roy and Orville, and her sisters Isabelle and Marianne, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Much of Irene's early years were spent on the farm doing chores as needed. Everybody pitched in as soon as they were able; and yes she walked to school, in the snow if necessary.
In 1948 the family moved to Cedar, BC. Irene finished her schooling in Nanaimo and upon graduating went to work at Eatons, first in Nanaimo then in Victoria. Then on a chance blind date in Victoria she met John. There must have been a spark, the courtship was on and they married in 1962. Initially they lived in Port Hardy in a trailer before moving to Courtenay in early 1963, where John built the family home on a newly subdivided lot of the old Knappett farm.
Irene was a devoted wife and mother always supporting her family in their endeavours. She joined the Order of the Royal Purple Lodge in 1970. Irene was passionate about absolutely anything and everything that had to do with the Royal Purple Lodge; holding many positions locally, provincially, and nationally. She spoke of obtaining her 50 year pin, unfortunately it wasn't to be.
She was a member of the Comox Valley Curling Club playing in the ladies leagues, enjoying many bonspiel adventures and taking a turn as Ladies Club President.
Irene loved to play bingo. Fresh daubers were always at the ready. The lure of the "one arm bandits" was also often irresistible.
The family wishes to thank the Hospital staff on 3A and Dr. Janice McLaughlin.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5, 2019 at 2:00 pm in the Lower Elks Hall, 231-6th Street, Courtenay.
In lieu of flowers a donation to the Alzheimers Society of British Columbia in Irene's name would be appreciated.