Rhoda “Irene” Grant
1923-2022
Irene passed away peacefully at the Irene Thomas Hospice on August 18,2022 in her 99th year.
Irene was born in London, England to Thomas and Rhoda Rawlings. She spent many summers at the English seaside as a child. After graduating, Irene enlisted in the British ATS where she served as a corporal from 1941-1944 in Scotland.
She immigrated to Canada in 1944 and made her way to Vancouver later that year. In 1949 she met Gordon Grant at his jazz record store on Cambie street and they married on Feb.8, 1950.
In the early 1960’s they moved to Point Roberts because Gordon’s family had a summer home there. In time, they had two children Allan and Paula and eventually moved to Boundary Bay for their children’s schooling.
Irene worked for BC Ferries for 26 years and was well known for being a colorful Union Rep!
After her retirement, she was able to pursue a number of hobbies. First and foremost was her love of animals and she always had a dog to walk!! She loved technology and purchased a home computer when they first became available, and the internet opened a whole new world for her. In time, she learned to use an iPad right up to her last days and regularly emailed, purchased on-line and facetimed with family and friends. Irene was the keeper of the family stories from long ago and she and her cousin Michael continued to correspond up until June of this year. She was an avid knitter and crocheter and loved to share her projects with family and friends. Irene continued to love being on the sea and cruised to a number of countries. Many neighbours in Boundary Bay will remember how active Irene stayed and won’t soon forget her tricycle rides and later zipping around on her scooter!
Her husband Gordon passed away in 1999 and although difficult, Irene had a great love of Boundary Bay and her neighbors, and this community had always looked out for her and included her as good friends!! Irene found her beloved Jack, a miniature poodle, on Craig’s list and it was love at first sight and they spent many happy years together. After Jack passed, Irene offered to be a dog sitter to Rufus and ended up finding her best friend Jade. A huge thanks to Charry who was Irene’s roommate for the last 6 years and took such good care and had great patience with her.
Irene is pre-deceased by her niece Joan Van Blerk and Cousin Jean Clark.
Irene is survived by her son Allan and wife Lucille, grandson Kai, daughter Paula and husband Stephen and cousins Michael and Mary Kimber.
The family would like to thank all the Fraser Health staff who made it possible for Irene to stay in her home independently for so many years! We also greatly appreciate the compassionate care from the staff at the Irene Thomas Hospice.
“Good night, Irene!”
Irene requested that there not be any service.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Please click on the link below if you would like to see “Irene’s Story” with music from one of her favorite singers, Sarah Vaughan.
photos.app.goo.gl/C7HbnULQnyMYXH9k6
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rhoda Irene Grant August 18th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Aldergrove, Province: Colombie britanique