Irene Elizabeth Doyle (nee Strilchuk), RN, BA
January 14, 1926 – April 21, 2014 (Vancouver)

Irene was born January 14, 1926 in Round Hill, Alberta to Joseph and Magdalene Strilchuk.  The oldest of 11 children, she was a model of what an oldest sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend should be:  stern opinions here and there, rooted in love and compassion.  She passed away peacefully at home on April 21, at 88, surrounded by her children and some of her many grandchildren.

Irene was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Patrick and her sisters Alice, Gail and Delrose.  She is lovingly remembered by her children Sharon (Dave), Pat (Patricia), Bob (Gretchen), Barbara (Ron), Joe and Kathleen (Michael), and her grandchildren Robert (Robyn), James (Katherine), Caitlin, Erin, Laura, Conor, Sean, Matthew, Michael, Grace, Courtney, Nolan and Quinn, as well as her brothers Dennis (Becky), Ted (Ona) and Ken and her sisters Kathy, Cleone, June and Sharon (Brian) and her many nephews, nieces and their children.

She was a farm girl, and proud of it.  Round Hill was a three grain elevator town, and she loved returning there with her children to teach and remind them of their heritage and to remain in touch with her family.  Irene was determined and well educated.  She attended the University of Alberta, enrolling in pre-med.   Financial circumstances kept her from pursuing medicine, and she switched to nursing.  She met Pat in pre-med, and the couple continued their studies at U of A.  In 1949 she obtained her RN, and married Pat on May 21, 1949.

The young couple moved from Edmonton to Vancouver.  Irene was a nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital while Pat interned there and commenced his general practice.  She rose to head nurse in the medical surgery ward, leaving to raise her family, primarily in Vancouver, but also in Portland, Oregon, where Pat trained and later practiced as an otolaryngologist.  Irene embraced all of it, with aplomb.  Though often the silent partner (to the public, at least), many a night was consumed by her sagaciously advising Pat about what should, and should not, be included in every paper or speech he ever gave.  “Hands On” barely begins to describe her devotion, dedication and contribution to Pat’s many and varied accomplishments.  He could not have done it without her. And he knew it.  She was his strength in every sense of the word.  After his stroke, she was his constant, giving him the gift of many more years with his family and friends.

Aside from looking after Pat and her six children, Irene pursued her studies, both at the University of Portland and UBC, where she attained a Bachelor of Arts in 1987.  She took Ukrainian courses, re-learning her first language. Once her children were older, and always a nurse, she worked alongside Pat and colleagues at the St. Paul’s tinnitus clinic.  Irene was an avid painter, producing many lovely, original works, and she knitted, crocheted and embroidered many treasured heirlooms.  She loved golf and tennis, and some of her happiest times were at Shaughnessy, Point Grey and the Portland golf clubs.  And, of course, she watched and shuttled children to innumerable events and games.  She loved cooking and sharing recipes with the younger generations.  She completely loved and adored her children and grandchildren, could never see them enough and was the catalyst for frequent, and noisy, family gatherings.  The family would like to thank the many friends who were always of such support and comfort to her, including the members of the famous “Investment Club”, the otolaryngology family and her classmates, as well as the caregivers at UBC Hospital and Belle, who made her last days at home so much more comfortable.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 1 at 4:00 pm by Fr. Bileski at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 5457 Trafalgar Street, Vancouver, with a reception to follow at 5:30 pm at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.   On April 30, the family will host an informal gathering from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the Kearney funeral home at 450 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver.  In lieu of flowers, we know Irene would be grateful if donations were made to the Pacific Otolaryngology Foundation, which is dedicated to ear, nose and throat research at UBC and for which she volunteered many hours. Donations can be made online via www.entresearch.org or by mail to 2153 West 51st Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6P 1E4.