IRENE ENNS
(nee Wieler)
April 5, 1924 – January 2, 2022
With gratitude, love, and sadness the family of Irene Enns announce her passing on January 2, 2022, at Bethania PCH following a lengthy good-bye after suffering a stroke on October 3, 2021.
Irene was predeceased by husband Ernest in 2006 and son Paul in 2010. She was the last surviving sibling of ten on the Wieler side and leaves only Henri and Marie on the Enns side of seven siblings and spouses.
Left to remember her with love and admiration are daughter Noreen (Dzemal), their daughter
Sashira (Joel) and great-grandchildren: Adrian, Amelia and Mara, son Richard (Barbara), daughter Christine (Stephen), daughter in-law Clara (son Paul), and grandchildren Laura, David (Julia).
Irene was born in Einlage, southern Russia (now Ukraine). She was the youngest of ten children born to Johann and Anna Wieler. She was four when the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg.
Her father had been a teacher in Russia where the family enjoyed a good life. Beginning anew in Canada was difficult. Her father had a heart condition and was unable to work. He died when she was eleven. This caused much upheaval for Irene and her mother, moving from sister to sister, whoever needed help with a new baby. Because of this, she also moved from school to school, graduating from Daniel Macintyre Collegiate.
Irene met Ernie at church in the choir and the two married on September 30, 1944. They were blessed with four children, Noreen, Paul, Richard and Christine. Irene’s mother Anna Wieler was an integral part of the family, living with them and providing immeasurable help in raising the children.
Irene was multi-talented and legendary for her unfailing memory of details, both significant and insignificant. Known to speak her mind, she never romanticized or sugar coated events. She was employed with Eaton’s over the years in various departments, taking time off to raise a family. She was Dad’s unofficial secretary/personal assistant during his 12 years as city councillor (a role he took on in addition to his career with Monarch Industries). They each served on numerous committees both within the First Mennonite Church and for the wider community and were very active politically. Music was a big part of their lives. Dad conducted the church choir for many years while mom sang in the soprano section. Mom was a long-standing member of Die Freundinnen ladies’ group, bible study group, and served as a deacon for a number of years. She was a decades-long supporter of Agape Table, making chili for those in need. She and her church ladies’ group were instrumental in founding, organizing and running the Westgate Thrift Shop, which was a big financial help in the early years of Westgate Mennonite Collegiate. Mom was an accomplished seamstress and sewed canvass tents for family camping trips and winter coats for the children. Her skills were in high demand as stage make-up artist and costume designer for the Winnipeg Mennonite Theatre.
Our parents enjoyed the opera and were long-time season ticket holders and supporters of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. They enjoyed an active social life, hosting memorable dinner parties. They made time for family camping trips in the Whiteshell and the Rocky Mountains. In later years, they enjoyed Mexico and Florida with long-standing friend Irene Peters. Together, Mom and Dad were able to travel back to Russia four times but perhaps the trip of a lifetime was their 1992 trip around the world. Their sense of adventure, fun and curiosity was infectious. Their commitment to family left in Russia, offering both personal and financial support was admirable. As a legacy for us, Mom created a family book, Turbulent Times, documenting the family tree with stories on her mother’s side (Funk family).
Mom lost Dad in 2006, after 62 years of marriage. Sadly, her son Paul died in 2010. When living on her own at Autumn Haus became too challenging because of health issues, mom graciously accepted the move to Bethania Personal Care Home in March 2016. She was the poster child for Bethania, saying it was like a resort, just missing a pool. She took a keen interest in all of her caregivers including their personal lives. Her optimistic outlook benefitted her fellow residents. Audio books became her lifeline of which she was a keen critic. She also enjoyed Current Events and the German singing that was offered.
Mom experienced a decline when the lockdown was imposed during the COVID pandemic. When visits resumed, her final summer included enjoying the beautiful Bethania gardens and family outings along with the obligatory happy hour. Mom was especially thrilled to live long enough to see her great-grandson Adrian making progress after cancer treatment and delighted in Amelia and Mara’s antics.
Mom’s passing marks the end of an era for our family. As our matriarch and role model, she will be greatly missed.
Thank-you to Dr. Christine Leopp and all the dedicated nurses, aids, cleaners and spiritual care that provided excellent comfort and care for Mom, not just these past three months but the entire almost five years she resided at Bethania.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Ave, Winnipeg. Interment at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Brookside Cemetery.
If friends so desire donations of support may be made to Bethania Mennonite Memorial Foundation, the Mennonite Benevolent Society, or CancerCare Manitoba.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Irene Enns Wieler Sunday January 2nd 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba