We Remember
BANNERMAN, Irene (nee Ramsey)
August 17, 1925 — July 4, 2013
Sadly, Irene passed away on July 4, 2013 at the age of 87. She led a beautiful life and was treasured by her loving family. Irene was born and raised in Carnduff, Saskatchewan to Annie May and Leslie Ramsey. Her summers were spent at Carlyle Lake where Irene and her four sisters created lifelong memories at their precious cottage, Green Gables. Following high school, Irene moved to Winnipeg where she graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Winnipeg General Hospital in 1947. Irene loved her career in nursing and spent many years working at the Women’s Pavilion looking after new mothers and their babies. Following her graduation as an RN, she met and married Douglas Bannerman, making their home in Winnipeg and raising three children. Doug and Irene were married for 34 years, before his passing in 1982. They were both actively involved in the lives of their children and their community.
Following Doug’s death, Irene moved to Kelowna, BC where she spent many happy years with family and friends. Christmas was always spent in Toronto and a week in August was reserved for a birthday trip to Calgary. In 1992, Irene met Jack Soare and they spent almost 20 years together travelling the world and creating memories. We are all very grateful to Jack as he put the “gold” in her golden years and together they shared much happiness.
Over the years, Mom took great joy in supporting the activities of her kids and grandkids; watching hockey, soccer, dance recitals and cheerleading competitions. Always active, Mom enjoyed curling, golf, cross-country skiing and she still enjoyed her daily walks until just a few weeks ago. Her elegance and style were evident right up to her last days in Hospice, with thoughts of shopping for a new pair of capris…orange ones as they are in style this year. We will miss those amazing lemon meringue pies and it will be impossible to duplicate the homemade buns that were so much in demand by everyone who tried them.
Irene is survived by her three children and their families: Terry (Dianne) of Halton Hills, ON; Jamie (Sue) of Kelowna, BC and Sheila (Jamie Grant) of Calgary, AB and seven grandchildren: Geoffrey and Todd; Molly (Matt), Katie (Chad), Maggie; Tori and Macleod. She was also a great grandma to Elodie and Angus. Irene was predeceased by her sisters Isobel Ramsey and Lois Oliviero. As well, Irene is survived by her two sisters: Margaret Barnes of Nanaimo, BC and Betty Davies of Vancouver, BC and several nieces and nephews.
Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dan Obedkoff whose patience, kindness and support were much appreciated over the years. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff of the Central Okanagan Hospice House for their amazing care and support of our beautiful Mom and our entire family, as we struggled to say goodbye. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon division or to the Central Okanagan Hospice House, 2035 Ethel St., Kelowna, BC. A Celebration of Life will take place Springfield Funeral Home, on August 17th at 1:00 pm to honor Irene’s life as well as to celebrate her 88th birthday.
“I’ve put two chairs on the ice and I’m going to watch the game”. Enjoy the game Mom, you deserve it. You have created a wonderful family and we will love you and carry you in our hearts forever.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon division or to the Central Okanagan Hospice House
Service Information
Service Details
The service for BANNERMAN, Irene (nee Ramsey) is scheduled for Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
I will remember Mrs. Bannerman for her kindness. She was heart and soul of your precious family. Sincere sympathy. May your happy memories sustain you all.
Love,
Sheila’s friend, Deborah
Jamie, you only get one Mom and from what i just read you hit the jackpot. No wonder you have the drive and spirit you have. My heartfelt condolences my friend. God bless you and your family at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerley Craig
Jamie, Sue and your family… My condolences to you on the loss of your Mom. I hope the memories you hold close to your heart will help you through this tough time. Sending you warm thoughts and my prayers in hopes they offer a tiny bit of comfort.
To the Bannerman Family…..Irene was a very dear friend of my mom, Van Miller. We were so sorry to hear of her passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your truly beautiful Mom.
Dear Bannerman Family;
Sympathy to you all on the death of Irene, a gracious lovely lady that we had the pleasure to know through St. Paul’s United Church and the friendship of Betty Skinner and others.She was such an inspiration in the way that she faced ill health in the last months and days of her life.She was so proud and loved you all so very much.
Please accept our sympathy and prayers for your family as you carry her legacy on. God Bless,
Beryl Baldeo
To The Family of Irene Bannerman,
My condolences are offered. I am grateful for the time spent with Irene and Doug through the early MPI years. Your family harmony is acknowledged. Marguerite and I enjoyed the overnight hospitality at 33 Sand Haven and we were pleased to have met Jack. The author of the press release created a poignant, beautiful, remembrance of Irene.
Sincerely,
John Hammett