In honour of our Mother, we would like to share a celebration of her life and legacy. Irene was born to Percy and Elizabeth Cross, March 2, 1926 in Louisbourg, NS. and was the second of nine children. Times were very challenging in those years and she quickly found her place learning to sew by 6 years old and took initiative to cook, clean and raise her siblings. She set her sights on a brighter future where at a local dance she met a young serviceman, John Axani, posted to Louisbourg. They married Aug. 15, 1944 and relocated out west in December, 1945 with their one month old baby. Life proved difficult, marrying into a Romanian family where little English was spoken, while living on a remote farm with the severity of the harsh winters and hard times. Eventually, they ventured out investing in small businesses and real estate in Willingdon, AB and later in Bonnyville, AB.
Life was busy over the years as she raised their six children, especially while helping to build the Tropicana Dine and Dance Hall in 1958 and moved to this area in 1959. They took ownership of the business from 1960-1973. Mom’s reputation for being the best cook around, with her cabbage rolls topping the charts, featured the Tropicana as the best place to have corporate parties and weddings. It was not uncommon to see larger weddings of up to 500 people from Bonnyville and Pierceland. Even in those years she always managed time for gardening/canning, berry picking and sewing for her family and others. Sewing wedding dresses, alterations and mending became part of her livelihood. Her outlets of enjoyment were cooking, gardening, curling, knitting, fishing, reading and word-finds.
Mom was a woman of faith and cherished Christian friendships, Christian Conferences and mission trips to Mexico and traveled to her beloved Israel in 1997, 2001 and 2004. Mom will always be remembered for her great hospitality as she opened her home to many families for meals and a place to live. Often gifts of homemade baking could be found resting on her boarder’s shoes in the morning as a treat for their day. Meals, prayer and bags of groceries were embraced by many in this community as she always demonstrated generosity and selflessness. Relationships were so valued by her and in her later years she spent hours on the phone as she kept in touch with family and friends, some even from childhood.
Irene is loved and forever remembered by her children: Ralph (Yvonne) Axani and Bradley (Judy) Axani of Edmonton, AB, Melanie (Dwayne) Watt of Cold Lake, AB, Marvin (Wendy) Axani of Calgary, AB, Darrell (Terri) Axani of Kamloops, BC.; daughter-in-law: Pat (John) Ellson of Florida, U.S.A.; 16 grandchildren: Christine (Pierre) Axani, Mona Axani, Sean (Erika) Axani, Doug Axani, Shauna (Shane) Intwert, Christian (Mae) Axani, Robyn (Cam) Axani, Jonathan (Tanya) Axani, Olivia (Gordon) Clarke, Mike (Cristie) Watt, Daniel (Jessica) Watt, Greg Axani, Ryan Axani, Tyler (Rachelle) Axani, Brittany (Rob) Stroobant, Matthew Axani; 23 great-grandchildren; brothers: Kenneth and Donald Cross of NS.; sisters: Esther Campbell, Florence DeYoung, Donna MacDonald of NS. and numerous extended family and friends. Irene was predeceased by her parents: Percy & Elizabeth; brothers: Harold, Richard, Allan; her husband: John in 2001; son: Floyd and granddaughter: Corinne in 1981.
Celebration of Life service and inurnment ceremonies will take place in Cold Lake, AB and Louisbourg, NS at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Memoriam of Mom can be made to STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8M7 or Daystar Television Network (Support for Israel), Box 9550, Victoria, British Columbia, V6B 4G3.
Our deepest appreciation to the staff and residents of Points West Living for the 8 years of love, care and friendship she received from you all.
~ Respectfully submitted by the Family
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Irene May Axani Saturday February 27th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: BONNYVILLE, Province: Alberta