Irene Florence Carlin
Obituary
Obituary for Irene Florence Carlin (nee Dunn)
February 20, 1923 – December 11, 2019
Irene (Renee) Carlin (nee Dunn) passed away peacefully at Pinegrove Place Care Home in Richmond B.C. on December 11, 2019. She was predeceased by Gerald Carlin, her loving husband of 58 years who passed away in August 2000.
Renee is survived by her 3 sons; Richard (Shelley) of Surrey BC, Michael (Irene) of Calgary Alberta, Patrick (Katherine) of Richmond BC and her daughter Catherine Carlin of N. Vancouver. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren; Arlette, Lisa, Nicole, Shannon, Stacey and Nicholas, her four great-grandchildren as well as her nieces and nephews and many extended family members. Renee cherished her family and loved sharing stories about them with all who would listen. Family reunions were a special time of connecting for Renee and she journaled about those joyous occasions and how much they meant to her.
Renee was born on February 20, 1923 to Ernest and Alice Dunn in Calgary Alberta. She became the much loved baby sister to older brother Raymond and sister Jeanette. After graduating from high school she worked at the AP Grain in Cheadle Alberta and for a time at the Calgary Herald.
Renee and Gerry were married in Calgary on June 19, 1942. During the early years, while Gerry was serving in the army, they lived in Calgary and Edmonton Alberta. After the war when Gerry was discharged they settled in Vancouver BC, Gerry’s home town. There they raised their family and built their life together.
Renee was a strong woman, some would say a feisty woman, who met the challenges of her life with courage and conviction. She was very forward thinking for her times and was never afraid to take a progressive stand on the social or political issues of her day. As one of her son’s would say, “Never mind Gloria Steinem everything that I learned about how to treat a woman came from my mother.” Renee often reminded her children to ‘stick to their guns’ or stay with their truth in hard times or times of doubt.
In her midlife two things happened that forever broadened and enriched Renee’s life. She went to work at St. Paul’s Hospital as a Unit Clerk in the maternity ward fulfilling a lifelong dream to work in the health care field. Around this time Renee also joined a fellowship association which took her on a path of personal and spiritual renewal. Renee found a new sense of fulfillment and accomplishment and she met many new people some of whom would become lifelong friends.
Gerry loved adventure and Renee was a saver. In their retirement years Gerry said to Renee “If you are saving our money for our old age it’s here!” After which they enjoyed many memorable vacations and wonderful cruises together.
On her passing Renee left a note for her children which ended with the words “I love you all deeply”. We all feel the same about you mom. We miss you. We love you deeply.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Mackenzie and the staff at Pinegrove Place Care Home for their care of Renee over the past few years and especially during her final days.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Irene Florence Carlin 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique