Obituary of D. CHARLETON

D. IRENE CHARLETON (NEE ROBINS) 1921 - 2008 Peacefully in the early hours of April 10, 2008 at the age of 86, Irene passed away. Mom was predeceased by her brother George in 1998 and numerous good friends. Left to mourn is her husband of 61 years, Peter, her three sons, Peter & partner Teo; Ken & wife Gisele and grandkids Kimberly and Justin; and Donald & wife Sheryl and grandkids Reid, Kate & Claire; as well as her niece Della Beattie & husband Jim and daughter Heather. Mom was born in Winnipeg to Tom & Emily Robins and grew up on Royal Ave. in West Kildonan. She spent countless hours and made many life long friends playing on the prairie. Mom always had a job, but her first professional position was as a hairdresser with Eatons. She left Eatons to go overseas during WWII with the St. John's Ambulance and was stationed in England for the last year of the war. While there she was able to meet many relatives for the first time. She celebrated the war's end by cutting her apron and pinning the small pieces onto the patients under her care. Upon returning to Winnipeg she returned to work at Eatons and married her sole mate shortly afterward. During the pre-kid era of their marriage, they were actively involved in Bowling, Square dancing, Snowshoeing and riding their bicycles everywhere. After the boys were born, Mom became a full time homemaker. She became heavily involved with the Luxton Community Centre and was awarded a "Community Service Award" in 1979. Mom had many interests over the years. She was a member of the St. John's Ambulance, Historical Society, Brownies, and joined Dad during activities with the North Centennial Seniors. She also saw the world by attending many Travelogs with her good friend Margaret Webster. Once Dad retired they enjoyed many bus tours, seeing much of Manitoba and the US with both the North Centennial Seniors and the Historical Society. Mom was a prairie girl that loved Winnipeg and always enjoyed the beauty in her home province. Whether it was an outing to the lake with the Krogh's or a trip downtown for $1.49 day, she always wore a smile. The family would like to thank the staff at Holy Family Nursing Home for all the care and compassion during the time Mom was in their care. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.