It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Ingram on October 11, 2022, at the age of 88. She will forever be missed by her family and friends. She was a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. Our Energizer Bunny’s battery finally gave out.
Irene was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, her husband Ralph and daughter Janice. She is survived by her children, son Mark (Kim), daughter Laurie (Bob), daughter Carol (Mark), son Christopher (Gloria), son in law Ken, her grandchildren Michelle, Jeff (Blythe), Sarah, Jared (Sajiny), Shaw, Jessica (Matt), Kelsey (Chris), and April. She had 9 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families.
Irene was born in Winnipeg, raised in Hamilton, and eventually made Vancouver home. She married Ralph in 1954 and they had 42 years together.
Anyone who knew Irene knew her love of family, church, and friends. She was renowned for her baking. She was always providing her baked goods to family and friends. It gave her great joy to see people enjoying her treats. Her grandchildren will have fond memories of the goose cookie jar on grandma’s counter.
Irene had a love of sports. No matter if it was the Hamilton Tiger Cats or her grandkids local games, she was an avid cheerleader in the stands or from her armchair. She also had a love of music. She was an ace Player-Piano player, sang in many church choirs and was the lead in a very special version of Happy Birthday.
After staying at home raising 5 children, Irene returned to the workforce and enjoyed a 27-year career with Statistics Canada. She loved receiving pages of jokes from the fax machine and sharing them with everyone. With her husband Ralph, they moved across the country more than once but eventually made the move back to BC in 1973 and that’s where they stayed. Whether it was West Vancouver or Surrey, she was an active participant in her church and a member of the CWL.
Service will be held November 4th at Our Lady of Good Counsel church, 10460 - 139 Street Surrey @ 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, an organization she supported.