Irene Cyr

Irene Cyr, beloved wife of the late Albert Cyr passed away Friday, July 6, 2018 at Vista Village at the age of 92, just 5 days short of her 93rd birthday.

Irene was born on July 11, 1925 in Wayne, Alberta. She was the eldest of 5 children born to Joseph & Marie Gorman. In 1928 her family moved to a farm 15 miles east of Three Hills. She attended Bay Coulee school to Grade 8, then worked for neighbors taking care of their children.  At age 18 she moved to Calgary and was a nanny for Dr. Mitchell’s family of whom she accompanied on week long trips to Waterton. She loved the area and hoped one day she could return.  In 1945, after upgrading her schooling, she attended hairdressing school in Calgary and jumped at the chance to purchase a hair salon for sale in Pincher Creek in 1946.

She soon met Albert and they were married on June 21, 1949, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary. They raised 8 children on the family farm 3 miles east of Pincher Creek. Besides growing a large garden every year, Irene sewed dresses for herself and daughters, knitted, crocheted, baked, cooked large delicious meals, and canned many jars of fruit, vegetables and chickens. She happily crafted each grandchild and great-grandchild a Christmas stocking.  Irene was a faithful Catholic and instilled her Catholic faith in her children. She was a member of the CWL for 68 years. She was excited to see Pope John Paul II in 1984 during his Alberta visit.

In 1982, Albert and Irene moved into the town of Pincher Creek, where Irene enjoyed a more leisurely lifestyle. Albert and Irene curled and bowled; and Irene was frequently seen at the Bingo hall. In 1985 they travelled to Maine for a Cyr reunion. They were also active with the Huddleston Senior Centre.   Irene & Albert celebrated their 40th anniversary before Albert’s passing in 1989. Irene continued to travel to visit her children and took many trips with the senior bus tours. One travel highlight was an Alaskan Cruise vacation with her sisters.

In 2002, Irene decided to downsize and move to an apartment. She spent many hours putting together jigsaw puzzles and enjoyed going for coffee at Mrs. P’s. In 2009, she decided it was time to move to Crestview Lodge. She was happy to be a part of the many activities the lodge offered.  She was able to move into the new lodge facility in March, but sadly her health was declining and in April moved to the Vista Village where she received excellent care until her passing.

Irene was a loving, caring and giving person. She was very positive and accepting of others and saw the good in all. Her family was her pride and joy.

Irene is survived by 6 children: Bruce Cyr of Okotoks, Francis (Colleen) Cyr of Pincher Creek, Cathy (Gene) Kowalczyk of Three Hills, Ken (Leslie) Cyr of Calgary, Joyce (Morris) Pittman of Pincher Creek, Paul (Gloria) Cyr of Taber, daughter’s in-law Corinne Cyr of Pincher Creek and Jane Cyr of Okotoks, sister Anne Blakely of Issaquah, Washington, brother Jim Gorman of Three Hills, 28 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, 5 nieces & 4 nephews.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Albert (1989), son Maurice (2013), daughter Bernadette (2015), daughter Madeline (stillborn 1963), parents Joseph & Marie, sister Helen Campbell, brother Frank Gorman; brother-in-law Larry Blakely, sisters-in-law Melvina Harry and Alma Gianiorio and their respective husbands Mike and Roy.

A Prayer service was held Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 7 pm, and a Funeral Mass was held Friday, July 13, 2018 at 11 am both with Fr. Silvano Vargos as celebrant at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Interment at Fairview Cemetery. Lunch followed at the family farm, The Bloomin’ Inn.

Memorial Donations may be made to The Crestview Lodge, P.O. Box 1058, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

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