IRENE ELSIE CROFTS

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IRENE ELSIE CROFTS Irene Elsie Crofts died on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Oakview Place Extendicare, Winnipeg. Irene was born in Winnipeg on February 25, 1926. She grew up in Norwood, attending King George V Elementary School and Tache Junior High. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in 1947 and later a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Education, receiving gold medals in Arts and Education. She received a Master of Psychology from the University of Toronto and started her long teaching career at Chapman School in Charleswood. She worked at the Child Guidance Clinic of Greater Winnipeg as a school psychologist, then worked as a consultant in Special Education. She was predeceased by her longtime friend Joyce Hill on September 19, 2014, her parents, Thomas and Elsie Crofts, and her brother Geoffrey (Jean) on March 14, 2017. She is survived by Geoffrey's three children, Gerald Crofts, Barbara Purchase (Barry) and Karen Tyson (Jon), her cousins Mary and Matthew of England, and many friends. Irene was an Honorary Life Member of Girl Guides of Canada, receiving her 70 year pin in 2014. She was Captain of the 38th Company in St. Philips Church, was a Provincial Trainer for years, and was a founding member and secretary of the Winnipeg Trefoil Guild for 25 years. She represented Manitoba at National Meetings and at Trefoil National Gatherings. She and Joyce were prolific knitters, and donated many beautiful items over the years, including hundreds of mittens to charities. They were also avid bridge players. Irene was always ready to give rides to meetings, or have gatherings at their condos; they were gracious to many people! Before Joyce's death, they enjoyed living at Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence. Irene was a longtime member of the University Women's Club of Winnipeg, and made many longtime friends....she celebrated her 90th birthday there, with members of the Women's Club and Girl Guides in attendance. Irene was also a longtime patron and supporter of the Winnipeg Symphony, Manitoba Theatre Centre, and the Opera. She and Joyce enjoyed their retirement years wintering in Victoria. Joyce had a condo in Winnipeg, and Irene a condo in Victoria, so after retirement they spent the winter months in Victoria, with a large group of Victoria friends. They enjoyed many cruises with Holland America. At Irene's request, there will not be a formal service. If friends desire, donations could be made to Caddy Lake Girl Guide Camp, 213 - 530 Century St., Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 or University Women's Club of Winnipeg, 54 West Gate, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2E1. Many thanks to Oakview Place Extendicare for your excellent care. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2018