IRENE MARGARET STIRTON

It is with saddened hearts that our family announces the passing of Irene at Pioneer Lodge on Tuesday, June 24th, 2014.  The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home with Linda Owens officiating. Private Family Interment will take place at Sunset Cemetery.  Irene was born on the Bray family farm near McLean, SK.  She attended Starr’s Point Elementary School and completed high school in Qu’Appelle, SK.  In 1947, Irene obtained her Teachers Certificate from Normal School in Moose Jaw.  One of her first teaching positions was at Petrolia School.  This move led her to the love of her life – Jim, a local farmer.  They were married October 27th, 1948 and Irene continued to teach at Petrolia.  She was involved in the community as one of seven charter members of the Petrolia Tea Timers.  They welcomed two sons, Brian and Barry, before moving to Moose Jaw in 1957.  Irene taught at Bushell Park School until they welcomed a third son, Scott, in 1966.  She then taught with the Moose Jaw Public School system until her retirement in 1987, at which time she was credited with 28 years of meritorious service.  Irene loved music, especially the piano.  She spent countless hours playing for various choirs, churches, schools and for her own enjoyment.  In her retirement, Irene enjoyed curling, golfing, travelling and gardening.  Irene’s enthusiasm for lifelong learning and music has left a lasting impression on us all.  She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Jim; her parents, Horace and Kate; brother-in-law, Phil Dodds; daughter-in-law, Dorothy; sister-in-law, Doris (Bill) Spicer; and brothers-in-law: Frank (Hazel), Geoff (Jean) and Alan.  Irene is survived by her sons: Brian (Elaine), Barry and Scott (Anita); granddaughters: Tamra (Shae) Nichols, Joanne (Jeff) Calvert, Holly Stirton (Kyle Alexander), Katie (Warren) Sira and Sara Stirton (Logan Maltais); 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Wilbert (Alice) Bray and Norman (Agnes) Bray; sister, Shirley Dodds; sister-in-law, Bernice Stirton; extended family: Michelle (Darryl) Neal, JoAnne (Bruce) Abell, Rick and Dale; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Irene’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Sask., 279 3rd Ave. N., Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550