Irene Myrtle McMurtrie

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 on Sept. 5, 2019, at the age of 84.
Irene was born at the family farm near Melita, Manitoba, the 3rd of 7 children.
Irene is predeceased by her parents, Maurice and Grace Lavigne, and sisters Evelyn and Frances.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, John, her son, Gary, and her daughter, Sandra (Cecil), and 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 Eaton's, 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 at 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 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. She was passionate about absolutely everything and anything to do with the Royal Purple, holding many positions locally, provincially, and nationally. She talked 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 at Ladies Club President.
Irene also loved to play bingo. Fresh daubers were always at the ready. The lure of the "one-armed 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 2:00pm at the Lower Elks Hall, 231-6th Street, Courtenay.

Donations to the Alzheimer's Society of BC, in Irene's name, would be greatly appreciated.