In the 1930s, a child was born on the outskirts of a mining town. Cobalt was growing amid the calamity of the Great Depression and soon after World War II. This young girl along with her siblings and friends had to endure the harsh living conditions of the time. As a result, those from that era learned to be grateful and benevolent. Their resilience shaped a community that was unique in so many ways. Perhaps it is because they learned that the silver was not in the rock but in the clouds.
Irene Urban (nee David) was born on April 23, 1933, to Jewell and Dorothy David. She was the third child in a family of nine and spent her early years attending Cobalt Public School and Cobalt High School. She later went on to graduate from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Arts and spent time teaching at Cobalt High School. Irene was greatly involved in the community. She served as a town councilor, recreation director, and was a supporter of the Cobalt Figure Skating Club, minor baseball, and minor hockey. A founder of the Cobalt Home Support program, she was an enthusiastic proponent of aiding the seniors and providing for their needs.
Irene was a life-long learner who always loved to read, watch documentaries, and took up painting at the age of 70 years old. A remarkable woman to say the least. She will be remembered for her resilience and the impact that she had on countless members of the community.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Louis and eight siblings, Donald, Larry, James, Ronald, Linda, Eric, Gary and her nephew Eric. Irene is survived by her children Lorri, David, Karen (Dave), James (Kayla) and Don; her brother Wayne (Lynn), and sister-in-law, Joy. She will be warmly remembered by her grandchildren Christopher (Jess) Settino, Alana (Robbie Wirth) Settino, Louis Urban, Madelin Urban, great-grandchildren Lyric and Kadence Wirth, James and Sophia Settino, along with nieces, nephews, friends and family.
The family would like to convey a special thanks to all the EMS staff, the Temiskaming Hospital staff, and the Cobalt Fire Department, who were often called upon and responded with great care in allowing her to continue her journey.
When Darkness does enfold you
Take heed of what’s in sight
Your hopes and dreams will guide you
In wisdom there is light
Boomtown
We have lost many of our matriarchs but certainly we should not lose this lesson. Through work and education dreams can be achieved. That social mobility needs to coincide with social harmony. That your neighbor is your friend, and their children must be cared for as you would your own. These core values epitomized Irene Urban. She loved her house, friends, and family. Above all, she loved Cobalt!
Mrs Urban’s final care has been entrusted to Buffam Leveille Funeral Home. A memorial visitation will be held at the Buffam Leveille Funeral Home on Saturday September 24, 2022 from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences and contributions may be left at www.buffamleveille.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Irene Phylis Urban David Wednesday August 17th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Haileybury, Province: Ontario