IRENE DOROTHEA JELLIFF (DIVER) -

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IRENE DOROTHEA JELLIFF (nee DIVER) 1927 - 2013 On June 25, 1927, an Angel was born and on Thursday, January 17, 2013, she went home. After a brief four months apart, Irene is now together with Al, her loving husband of 58 years. Left behind to miss Irene's beautiful smile, brilliant blue eyes, contagious laugh, and heart of gold are daughters Val (John) of Kenora, ON, Sandy (Murray) of Warren, MB; grandchildren Jen (Rhys), Matt (Aubree), Kelsi, Devon (Jesse), Sawyer and Dallas, and four great-grandchildren, Madden, Beck, Farrah and Jax. She also leaves to mourn her sister, Mazie Shearer of Wawanesa, MB; along with many nieces and nephews. Mom, Granny was born in Winnipeg, MB, grew up in Hilton, MB and attended school in the Hiltonmye School District. Sometime after the loss of her beloved father in 1946, Mom moved to Wawanesa, MB. She worked in the Wawanesa Mutual. After meeting and marrying the love of her life, Irene and Al lived and worked in Rivers, MB. While in Rivers, Mom and Dad enjoyed curling, baseball and many a country dance. They relocated to Winnipeg with their girls in 1961. She remained at home caring for her family and their home. Once her daughters were in school, Mom took a position as a school secretary with School Division #5. This opportunity was ideal for her as she could maintain her commitment to raising her family and being a "hands on" Mom. After several years in Fort Garry Schools, she took an administrative position with Versatile in the Engineering Department. Moving to Simmons before co-founding Simtax Inc. with Dad, where they worked together until retirement. Irene, Mom, Granny, was very proud of her family. She liked nothing better than helping her family with anything and everything. Often she offered her support before it was asked for. She would drop everything at a moment's notice if she could do something for someone. Granny so enjoyed attending her grandchildren's dance recitals, soccer, hockey, ringette games and countless birthday parties. She never saw enough of her family and was always ready to have a meal. She was our cheerleader from morning till night, day in and day out. Mom loved her garden and lawn - rarely a leaf or branch out of place and never a dandelion. Mom was so very proud of her Irish heritage - March 17 was one of her favourite days, wearing green and making sure all of us had our "green on". Mom was a going concern - idle was not in her vocabulary. She had unmatched energy and there was always something that needed to be done. She was a hard worker and one of her mottos was "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right." She loved deeply and gave freely. Mom carried herself with style and grace always. Mom spent many memorable times at the Sergeant's Mess dancing to the wee hours of the morning with Dad and friends. She always looked forward to Thursday evenings at the Mess - "Dart Night". She enjoyed playing golf and her membership at Reh-Fit. Thank you to the staff at Golden Door Personal Care Home and special thanks to Marilyn, Jessica and Mira for their care and concern. On Friday, January 25, 2013, a Celebration of our dear Mom, Granny, Great-Granny and Friend's Life will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main Street at Manitoba Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society, 10 - 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. Richard Wojcik, Funeral Director of Wojcik's Funeral Chapel Crematorium, is in care of arrangements, 204-586-8668.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2013