Jun 7, 1923 - Feb 3, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Monica Irwin (nee Butlin) announces her passing on February 3rd, 2018, at the Fraser Hope Lodge in Hope, BC, at the age of 94. Monica was a long-time resident of New Denver, BC, before moving to Hope in 2014 to be closer to her children, Jeff, of Hope, and Pat, of Shawnigan Lake.
Monica was born in Caithness, in the East Kootenay. The Butlin family lived in Fort Steele and Nakusp, BC, before moving to New Denver in 1938. At the age of 20 she joined the Canadian Women's Army Corps, trained as a clerk-stenographer, and was posted to Ottawa where she worked for the National Research Council. In 1946 she was discharged and returned to New Denver to work in the Provincial Government Office.
In 1954 she married Jeffrey Lamont Irwin, and had three children, Jeffrey, Mary Anne and Patsy. In 1965 she began her work as secretary of Lucerne School; after 20 years of working with eight principals, she retired in 1985.
Monica was known for her kindness, sense of humour and her devotion to her family and community. She loved to play golf and bridge, and was a dedicated community member serving St. Stephen's Anglican Church, the Slocan Community Hospital Auxiliary, the Order of the Eastern Star (Martha Chapter), and the Royal Canadian Legion for many years. She was loved by all who knew her.
She will be deeply and sadly missed by her son, Jeff (Noi), Hope, BC, daughter, Pat (Henri), Shawnigan Lake, BC, sister, Joyce Horrey, Nakusp, BC, six grandchildren, Randy (Melissa) Ilmer, Daniel (Santana) Letient, Joshua and Nicholas Letient, James and Sarah Irwin, two great granddaughters, Cassie and Kenna Ilmer, many nieces and nephews and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Jeffrey Lamont Irwin (1989), her daughter, Mary Anne Ilmer (2001), and her sister, Vera Angrignon (1998).
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Fraser Hope Lodge who lovingly and compassionately cared for Mom to the end. A memorial service will be held in New Denver at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for 'Resident Care and Comfort' can be made to the Slocan Community Health Care Auxiliary Society (SCHC Auxiliary Society) at PO Box 253, New Denver BC, V0G 1S0.