Obituary for Irene Bertha Clague (Cnockaert)
Peacefully, on April 13, Irene passed away with family at her side, at the age of 96.
Irene will be lovingly remembered by her sons Terry (Karen), Darrell (Kathy); grandchildren Garrett (Elaine), Kelly, Lindsay, Jaime (Pam); great-grandchildren Cameron, Wynter, Landon, Hayden, Makenna, Avaia and Noah; siblings Denise, Ron (Darlene) and Jane; niece Kim (Ted), her nephew and godson Greg (Debbie), along with many other nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Jerome and Mary Cnockaert, daughter Diane, husband Herbert, grandson Jason and siblings Maurice, Margaret, Doreen, and Judy.
Irene was born in St. Boniface and spent her entire life there raising her family. Early years included summer weekends spent at Aunt Nana and Uncle Pete’s cottage in Barrier Bay, and later yearly summer trips to Calgary to visit family which included many camping trips. She also fondly remembered the numerous weekend trips with her siblings to various casinos. Her family and extended family were the most important thing in her life and her cheerful disposition made everyone feel welcome. Our home was always filled with love and laughter. Mom loved to cook, bake, entertain, read books and magazines until her eyesight declined; she always enjoyed playing Bingo, be it at the Norwood Legion or Club Regent with friends, dad, or her siblings. Mom’s love for socializing, playing bingo, watching live entertainment continued to be important to her even while living in the care home.
Irene was proud of the three years she spent working as a welder during the Second World War at Westeel. After her children were grown, she spent 18 years working part time in the Eaton’s candy department store downtown.
Later in life after Herb’s passing, she spent almost 10 years living at Catherine Place independently where she thoroughly enjoyed her time making new friends and taking part in many of the activities.
The family would like to thank Dr. P.G. Mehta for his many years of care for mom and to the Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home for taking care of mom for the last 14 months. She especially enjoyed the staff who would stay and chat with her on a regular basis. A heartfelt thank you to everyone.
Cremation has taken place and a private family internment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to CNIB, 1080 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 3M3.
Irene will be lovingly remembered by her sons Terry (Karen), Darrell (Kathy); grandchildren Garrett (Elaine), Kelly, Lindsay, Jaime (Pam); great-grandchildren Cameron, Wynter, Landon, Hayden, Makenna, Avaia and Noah; siblings Denise, Ron (Darlene) and Jane; niece Kim (Ted), her nephew and godson Greg (Debbie), along with many other nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Jerome and Mary Cnockaert, daughter Diane, husband Herbert, grandson Jason and siblings Maurice, Margaret, Doreen, and Judy.
Irene was born in St. Boniface and spent her entire life there raising her family. Early years included summer weekends spent at Aunt Nana and Uncle Pete’s cottage in Barrier Bay, and later yearly summer trips to Calgary to visit family which included many camping trips. She also fondly remembered the numerous weekend trips with her siblings to various casinos. Her family and extended family were the most important thing in her life and her cheerful disposition made everyone feel welcome. Our home was always filled with love and laughter. Mom loved to cook, bake, entertain, read books and magazines until her eyesight declined; she always enjoyed playing Bingo, be it at the Norwood Legion or Club Regent with friends, dad, or her siblings. Mom’s love for socializing, playing bingo, watching live entertainment continued to be important to her even while living in the care home.
Irene was proud of the three years she spent working as a welder during the Second World War at Westeel. After her children were grown, she spent 18 years working part time in the Eaton’s candy department store downtown.
Later in life after Herb’s passing, she spent almost 10 years living at Catherine Place independently where she thoroughly enjoyed her time making new friends and taking part in many of the activities.
The family would like to thank Dr. P.G. Mehta for his many years of care for mom and to the Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home for taking care of mom for the last 14 months. She especially enjoyed the staff who would stay and chat with her on a regular basis. A heartfelt thank you to everyone.
Cremation has taken place and a private family internment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to CNIB, 1080 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 3M3.