Born May 19, 1932, in Revelstoke, B.C., Irene Veronica Mottley passed away peacefully in her home, in Vancouver, on February 28, 2017.

Irene retired from Magee Secondary School in 1994 as a teacher of French and Social Studies. She absolutely loved her teaching career and her many, many students.

She also loved playing her violin, and after her retirement, became second violinist with the Amateur Philharmonic Orchestra of Vancouver. The orchestra performed many concerts at U.B.C.'S Chan Center and at a variety of other locations. An avid supporter of all arts, she frequently attended the opera, Vancouver Symphony concerts and the theatre.

Also, Irene loved travelling around the world, enjoying learning how other people lived. She supported many local charities and associations, especially the SPCA.

Irene is survived by her uncle, Ed; and aunt, Barbara Blysak; and many cousins in Canada, the UK and in Slovakia.

She was loved and admired by her students, her teaching colleagues, her many long-time friends and neighbours. Irene will always be remembered for her great loyalty, her beauty and her grace. Rest in peace, Irene! Your absence is hard to bear--we miss you very much!