Obituaries
Irene Day
October 31, 1928 – February 5, 2022
Funeral Home Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel
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Irene (Rene) Day
October 31, 1928 – February 5, 2022
It is with so much love, gratitude and admiration that I write this celebration of Mom’s life. She has been my best friend my entire life and although I am heartbroken to see her go, I am comforted that she passed peacefully while I held her hand. Those who knew and loved her all spoke of her as a beautiful soul, fun loving with a bit of spice and the epitome of grace, class, and kindness. She had a terrific sense of humour although, hopeless at telling jokes so I come by that honestly. Growing up, parties at our house always ended up with my friends upstairs enjoying time with Mom. She truly was everyone’s friend.
Left to celebrate mom’s life are my husband, Brian Baizley, her favourite son-in-law (although he did have to remind her from time to time), myself Janice Day, and her special friend Art as well as her family in England including niece Anne (Len) Pateman, nephews Barry (Marie) Lamb & Michael (Christine) Lamb and niece & nephew on my Dad’s side Natalie (Nick) Ringwood & Lawrence (Jo) Day and their respective families.
She loved her adopted family Amy (Darren) and Jeff (Arlette) and took tremendous pride in being G.G. Rene to her great grandchildren Carter, Peyton and Aryka.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ron Day, her parents Harry and Maggie Smith and sister Vera Lamb.
Mom, Dad and I came to Canada from England in 1960 leaving her family behind which was devastating to her. She struggled for the first few years not knowing anyone and being as shy as she was but soon grew to love Canada and all the friends she made along the way.
Prior to coming to Canada, she worked at a large Insurance Company in London. A few years after arriving in Canada, she was hired as an Avon Lady traipsing through the snow in the cold lugging her huge bags of samples. She was so terribly nervous knocking on those first few doors but soon came to love it! It was a great way to meet all her neighbours…many “stay at home” moms in those days. She later turned down a promotion as regional manager for Avon as her priority and joy was always being a mom first. This did, however, give her a bit of confidence and independence. She then worked for several temp agencies on many different assignments which often ended up in a job offer by the employer. Later, she worked in the float pool at the Health Sciences Centre and was often assigned work in Human Resources with me…. I was so proud of her and everyone adored her. In her later years, she worked part time as Sales Consultant for One Stop Wedding Service and was later promoted to bookkeeper for Southern Rose Wedding Service and Adventures for Singles all owned by the same employer who, over the years, became her friend. He eventually let her retire in her 70’s.
She spent most of her early years helping Dad with all his renovation projects including building a cottage at the lake on weekends over seven years. She truly was his assistant and made him the luckiest man to have such a beautiful person and dedicated partner all those years. Together, they enjoyed many trips, mainly to Florida in the winter.
Mom was very artistic and took various art classes creating beautiful paintings & drawings many of which adorn the walls of our home today.
After Dad’s passing in 2012, it became “her time”. She moved into her new apartment, chose her own furniture and bought a little car. She joined Brian and I on many trips, Mexico being her favourite place ever. She was always so appreciative and happy…. such a pleasure to be with. She started dating Art in her mid-80’s with whom she shared many happy times. At 90 she amazed us all and set a record as the oldest woman in Manitoba to go zip lining. We had to join her just so she didn’t show us up. We are so grateful to Linda Millar, her friend across the hall, and Debbie Morrison, who both looked out for her and enabled her to stay in her apartment (her pride and joy and her happy place) for as long as possible.
We are also immensely grateful for the exceptional care provided by the staff at West Park Manor these past three years especially during the devastating wrath of covid. We are forever indebted to them for the compassion and kindness they have shown to my mom and her family. A special thanks to her nurse Brenda who could work magic and always bring my mom back from her lowest points. I truly wish I could list all the staff here especially those who worked directly or indirectly on 2N.
A special thanks also, to my husband Brian for giving my mom so much joy over the past 28 years. I think Brian really might have been her favourite.
In compliance with my Mom’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made (in memory of Irene Day) to West Park Manor, 3199 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3R 1X2 or (204) 889-3330 or to a charity of one’s choice and would be gratefully appreciated.
“Mom, you will be forever missed and forever loved!”
“Fly High Beautiful Lady”
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Irene Day October 31 1928 February 5 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba