Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Colombie britanique for funeral details
“Irene Fredreca Arndt (née Biesterfeldt), passed peacefully into the next life on November 23, 2024, at Nelson Jubilee Manor, aged 90.
Irene was born on May 1, 1934 on the family farm in Orion, Alberta, to Lawrence and Florence Biesterfeldt. It was there that she enjoyed an idyllic early life. Irene was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, friend and soul. She embodied many gracious qualities: strength of spirit, compassion, and a deep generosity evident in her love for family, friends, and animals. She was a woman of dignity who treasured her jewelry and enjoyed having her hair curled, eyebrows done, and lipstick on, even for the smallest of outings.
In 1958, Irene married her husband, Robert, and moved to Vancouver, where she began her career at Ford Motor Company as a credit analyst. She loved her job almost as much as the friendships she formed, sharing many stories and driving countless new vehicles over the years. In 1973, Irene and Robert traded city life for Cache Creek following the purchase of a motel, which they operated for five years before returning to Vancouver in 1978 until retirement. Her early years of retirement were enjoyed on an acreage in Lumby, with days filled by fond memories of animals, gardening, and rural life that reflected her childhood on the farm. She moved back to Kelowna and eventually Nelson to live out her final years close to family.
Irene had an enthusiasm for life and played on a women’s hockey team in Richmond called the “Gulf of Georgia Seagals” throughout the 1960s. She cherished her yearly escapades, including weeklong visits to the Vancouver PNE with her son and skiing every weekend at Mount Baker with her family. Irene loved hosting dinners, parties, and spending time with her many cherished lifelong friends, who affectionately referred to her as “Rene.” She had an artistic appreciation for the world and was an avid knitter. Her early life on the farm included caring for a rescued owl, instilling a lifelong love for the wise birds. Irene’s four-legged friends were dear to her. She was involved in the Kelowna SPCA for years, from which her and Robert adopted many of their animals. Even in her final years, she described being “visited” by dogs and cats with the utmost joy. She is joined on her long walk by many beloved companions.
Irene is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Robert; parents Lawrence and Florence; sisters Dorthea (Charles), Doris (Paul), Doreen (Bill); brother Bill (Violet); beloved cousin Eddie Loos; cherished lifelong friends; and a baby brother who died at birth. She is survived by her son Munro; granddaughter Raeleigh; and Melanie Buerge.
In her later years, Irene faced many health adversities which she met with dignity and grace. We would like to thank those who cared for her with compassion and respect, most recently at Nelson Jubilee Manor.
She will be greatly missed and loved.
In lieu of a service, those who wish to remember Irene may make donations to the SPCA.”
Saturday November 23rd 2024
Death notice for the town of: Nelson, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Irene Arndt Saturday November 23rd 2024
obituaries notice Irene Arndt Saturday November 23rd 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Irene Arndt Saturday November 23rd 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
