We Remember

SIMON, Irene Lillian

August 10, 1931 — April 11, 2024

Longtime Kelowna resident, Irene Simon, passed away at the age of 92 years. Irene was predeceased by her husband, Al Simon. Irene is survived by her 2 daughters, Carol (Albert Losch), Kelowna B.C and Joan (Gabe Roder), Sidney, B.C.; grandchildren: Brenden, Robyn, Jake, Becky and great-grandchild: Poppy along with two new babies arriving soon.

Irene was born in Bengough, Saskatchewan and spent her childhood growing up on a 400-acre wheat farm near Regina. She attended the University of Saskatchewan studying commerce, and it was here she met Al her husband.

In 1965, Al, Irene and their two daughters moved to Kelowna, B.C. where their first house was on Abbott Street. Irene was a dedicated, loving mom. Her career path led her to bookkeeping/accounting with the Catholic School Board for 10 years. She volunteered as treasurer with many organizations including Okanagan Brownies and Guides, PTA, Kelowna Figure Skating Club to name a few.

Irene loved people and was always kind and giving to family, friends and our Kelowna city. Volunteerism was her love. She contributed her time and energy to many aspects of the community. Most notably, her volunteerism involved 20 years with Kelowna Cancer Society on the chemotherapy unit, and 20 years with Okanagan Hospice, the House and one to one respite in homes. She truly loved giving and was always busy helping others.

Irene enjoyed curling, bowling, bridge, hiking, photography and was an incredible seamstress sewing baton and skating costumes for her daughters.

Irene was free spirited, adventurous, and feisty. Travel was her passion. In the early 1950’s at the age of 23, she and a girlfriend, wearing dresses and carrying suitcases, hitchhiked across Europe for 4 months staying in youth hostels and open fields. The travel bug was instilled. Irene and Al travelled to 100 countries over the years, many not on the tourist radar years ago. A few ventures included: Yemen, Petra, Russia, Samoa, Patagonia, Africa, Malaysia, Australia. Irene loved to drive, so there were many road trips covering Canada, U.S. and Alaska.

Brenden, Robyn, Jake and Becky were blessed to have Irene as grandma. She loved them and played a wonderful mentoring role in each of their lives.

The toughest and longest journey for Irene was navigating dementia. She fought the battle for 14 years with strength and dignity. Thank you to the compassionate, loving staff at Glenmore Lodge where mom spent her last 4 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Okanagan Hospice House.

A Funeral Mass will be held on THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM (PDT), at SAINT CHARLES GARNIER CHURCH: 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC. A social to follow at the Parish Centre. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM (PDT)

Location
SAINT CHARLES GARNIER CHURCH

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Central Okanagan Hospice House Link: www.hospicehousekelowna.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for SIMON, Irene Lillian is scheduled for THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SAINT CHARLES GARNIER CHURCH

3645 Benvoulin Rd Kelowna, BC

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Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Kelsey Deadmarsh says:
    April 17, 2024 at 8:32 am

    My deepest condolences for your loss. I so enjoyed working with Irene over the past 4 years, she always had a smile and a story for us when we took her for walks. We will miss her dearly.

    Reply
  • Evelyn and Dick says:
    April 17, 2024 at 8:56 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Irene was such a lovely lady. Was honoured to know her and pray she rests in His eternal peace.

    Reply
  • Susan Morabito says:
    April 18, 2024 at 7:21 am

    So sorry to hear about Irene’s passing. After reading her obituary, I see what a truly accomplished woman she was! The degree in commerce! The travel, the sewing, the volunteerism! The world truly lost a good one. I remember her smile, warmth and easy conversation at family get together. Courage, love and strength during this sad time. Love, Susan

    Reply

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Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

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They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke