Obituary of IRENE HELEN OMINSKI

IRENE HELEN OMINSKI

It is with great sadness that we inform our family and friends of the passing of our dear sister and aunt on Thursday, February 7, at the age of 87. She died at Fred Douglas Lodge where she had been a resident for the past six years.

Irene was born on May 16, 1931, and grew up on Pritchard Avenue in Winnipeg, the youngest daughter in a family of nine. She graduated with honours from Isaac Newton High School in 1949, and went on to be employed by Canadian Co-operative Implements Limited as a financial administrator. Here she stayed until the plant closed in 1985, allowing her an early retirement.

Irene and her sister Wanda, lifelong friends, moved from Pritchard Avenue together, eventually buying a home on Sutton Avenue, where they resided together until 2012.  At that time, Irene moved to Fred Douglas Lodge, and Wanda recently joined her at "The Lodge,” as it was fondly called. Here, Irene entertained staff and residents with her special brand of humour and her lovely singing.

Irene will be remembered for her special gift of taking care of others, particularly those in need, as well as her love of family. Although Irene didn’t have children of her own, she looked out for her nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was very generous with her time and gifts. She enjoyed Polish cooking, needle work, floral arrangements, playing the organ, and gardening. She practiced these skills during much time spent at Spruce Sands Trailer Park on Lake Winnipeg, with family and friends. She was an elegant lady, with the best taste in clothing, hats and coats, and had her hair done every week from her 20’s until her passing.

Irene is survived by her sister Wanda, her brother Ted, sisters-in-law Jean Ominski and Bev Ominski as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Alex and Louise, sisters Jean Ominski, Vicky Kreger, Mary Dzogan, Hedy Cook, and brother Eddie; and followed in death by her brother Ron (February 9, 2019).

Irene was treated with much love, kindness, and respect at “The Lodge”, and her family express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Fred Douglas Lodge, especially Oak Unit, for their care and compassion during her stay.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 13 at 10:00 a.m. at        St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church, 846 Burrows Avenue, with Reverend Yolando Gamallo officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB  R3C 4G2.

There was a time when I was free

To live my life in harmony,

Before the illness, which blighted me,

Swept faces and places from my mind,

People I loved from my memory.

Remember me as I used to be.

Think of me; remember my smile,

The love we shared; linger awhile.

I am at Peace now.  I am me.

At rest for all eternity.