Obituary for Irene Ann Forster
It is with a profound sense of loss that we observe the passing of our beautiful mother, wife, sister, aunt, baba, and dear friend Irene. Irene Ann Forster (Bonchuk) was born in Rossburn, Manitoba on July 23, 1956 to John and Ann Bonchuk. They arrived in Rossburn after relocating from a small farm nearby, and from a young age Irene enjoyed being outdoors, playing volleyball, curling and attending school. Irene graduated from High School in 1975 and moved to Brandon to spread her wings. It didn’t take long for her free-spirited, beautiful and loving self to capture the heart of Blair, whom she married on May 22, 1976.
Their first years of marriage were spent in Sprague, Manitoba. While Blair worked for the RCMP, Irene enjoyed working as a bookkeeper for a road construction company. When it wasn’t time for work, Irene and Blair were found at the curling rink in the winter and camping in the summer with family and friends. After another transfer, life found them in Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba where Irene’s new challenges in life included work at Beaver Lumber as a bookkeeper and welcoming their two children, Myles John Forster (1978) and Kahlie Sarah Ann Forster (1982). Blair’s work often involved long periods of time away from home as he covered an area from the east side of lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border, from Norway House to Bisset. Luckily there was a great community that Irene was a large part of. Anyone that knows her would agree that she was always willing to help and give. After 5 years in Lac Du Bonnet the next stop was Gypsumville, Manitoba. Gypsumville was an armed forces radar station and Irene must have wondered what she had signed up for. The Manitoba winters were hard but she filled her time with base organized events like winter carnivals and taking the kids tobogganing and to the outdoor rink. For the two summers there she participated in a team event that had her running a marathon from the base to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In 1986 Irene and family accepted a transfer to Red Deer. Irene was an avid volunteer at the children’s school and many batches of baked goods found their way to the kid’s events. She planned so many beautiful family trips; hiking adventures, camping on the west coast, beach vacations and visiting extended family in Manitoba and British Columbia. Irene returned to full time work in 1993 at the Red Deer College in Document Services. She enjoyed her work colleagues and friends that she made immensely. Irene had a knack for understanding people and making strong connections wherever she went. She and Blair enjoyed many travel adventures before she retired from her position in 2013, when they decided to purchase a fifth wheel and travel (mostly) full time. They enjoyed spending summers at Wilderness Village near Rocky Mountain House and spending winters south of the border, always meeting up with friends and family, new and old.
Irene’s biggest asset was her heart, which ended up being her greatest weakness as well, when she passed at home on December 1, 2019 at the age of 63. Irene’s heart provided each of us with joy, guidance, leadership and unlimited, unconditional love. And now, that is where we each keep Irene, forever, with gratitude, respect and love forever.
“A life well lived is a life everlasting’. Irene penned these words in respect of someone she held dear. And now, Irene, they are yours as well. Thank you for sharing your life so well.
Irene will be forever remembered by her husband and best friend Blair, their son Myles (Cory and grandson Ty), daughter Kahlie, sister-in-law Joyce Bonchuk (Willie), brother Ernie Bonchuk (Rusty Slobodesky), brother Frank Bonchuk (Gerry), wonderful nieces (five), nephew (one) and their respective families. Irene will be lovingly remembered by her family in British Columbia, sister-in-law Margaret-Ann Creegan (Anthony), nephew and family. Irene is predeceased by her Mother and Father, eldest brother Willie (Joyce) of Brandon, and sister-in-law Joyce (Ernie) of Oakburn. Family viewings are being held at the Parkland Funeral Home in Red Deer, Alberta. A memorial service and celebration of Irene’s life is being planned for the Spring. Notices to friends and family will follow, please contact Kahlie.forster@gmail.com for further information.
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Their first years of marriage were spent in Sprague, Manitoba. While Blair worked for the RCMP, Irene enjoyed working as a bookkeeper for a road construction company. When it wasn’t time for work, Irene and Blair were found at the curling rink in the winter and camping in the summer with family and friends. After another transfer, life found them in Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba where Irene’s new challenges in life included work at Beaver Lumber as a bookkeeper and welcoming their two children, Myles John Forster (1978) and Kahlie Sarah Ann Forster (1982). Blair’s work often involved long periods of time away from home as he covered an area from the east side of lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border, from Norway House to Bisset. Luckily there was a great community that Irene was a large part of. Anyone that knows her would agree that she was always willing to help and give. After 5 years in Lac Du Bonnet the next stop was Gypsumville, Manitoba. Gypsumville was an armed forces radar station and Irene must have wondered what she had signed up for. The Manitoba winters were hard but she filled her time with base organized events like winter carnivals and taking the kids tobogganing and to the outdoor rink. For the two summers there she participated in a team event that had her running a marathon from the base to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In 1986 Irene and family accepted a transfer to Red Deer. Irene was an avid volunteer at the children’s school and many batches of baked goods found their way to the kid’s events. She planned so many beautiful family trips; hiking adventures, camping on the west coast, beach vacations and visiting extended family in Manitoba and British Columbia. Irene returned to full time work in 1993 at the Red Deer College in Document Services. She enjoyed her work colleagues and friends that she made immensely. Irene had a knack for understanding people and making strong connections wherever she went. She and Blair enjoyed many travel adventures before she retired from her position in 2013, when they decided to purchase a fifth wheel and travel (mostly) full time. They enjoyed spending summers at Wilderness Village near Rocky Mountain House and spending winters south of the border, always meeting up with friends and family, new and old.
Irene’s biggest asset was her heart, which ended up being her greatest weakness as well, when she passed at home on December 1, 2019 at the age of 63. Irene’s heart provided each of us with joy, guidance, leadership and unlimited, unconditional love. And now, that is where we each keep Irene, forever, with gratitude, respect and love forever.
“A life well lived is a life everlasting’. Irene penned these words in respect of someone she held dear. And now, Irene, they are yours as well. Thank you for sharing your life so well.
Irene will be forever remembered by her husband and best friend Blair, their son Myles (Cory and grandson Ty), daughter Kahlie, sister-in-law Joyce Bonchuk (Willie), brother Ernie Bonchuk (Rusty Slobodesky), brother Frank Bonchuk (Gerry), wonderful nieces (five), nephew (one) and their respective families. Irene will be lovingly remembered by her family in British Columbia, sister-in-law Margaret-Ann Creegan (Anthony), nephew and family. Irene is predeceased by her Mother and Father, eldest brother Willie (Joyce) of Brandon, and sister-in-law Joyce (Ernie) of Oakburn. Family viewings are being held at the Parkland Funeral Home in Red Deer, Alberta. A memorial service and celebration of Irene’s life is being planned for the Spring. Notices to friends and family will follow, please contact Kahlie.forster@gmail.com for further information.
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.