Obituaries

PETERSEN, Irene

Irene passed away suddenly September 11, 2019 in Barra de Navidad Mexico.

Irene was an amazing woman who was a mentor and Rotarian. She was always smiling and loved her time with her friends in Mexico. She was always helping
people and animals, volunteering and fundraising for the community.

Her children had a very special mother and the family and friends are heartbroken at the loss of this very special lady. The world was a better place for everyone that knew Irene.

Irene’s greatest joy were her children and grandchildren. She is survived by daughter Leslie (John) of Kelowna, Todd (Moira), Mitch (Tina) both of North Vancouver and her wonderful grandchildren Alison, Finley and Lucy. She is also survived by her brother Stuart (Laura) and sister Joyce (Doug) and many other family members. Irene lost her son in Russell in 1984 and never did get over his loss. We take comfort knowing they will be together again.

A service will be held Saturday, September 21, 2019 in the place she loved the most, Mexico.

The family would like to sincerely thank her amazing friends in Barra for helping them through this very sad loss.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date in Vancouver.

Condolence Messages

Sep 22, 2019
What a shock it was to hear that my vibrant, beautiful friend was gone. To Todd, Leslie, Mitch and your families, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom, Grandmother and friend.

Your Mom and I met over 30 years ago in Vancouver and became fast friends with her smile, great hospitality (so many meals, parties and family holidays that she allowed me to share in), her love of life, and her sage motherly advice. I spent countless long weekends driving the 5 hours to 100 Mile House just to spend time with her. The greatest gift she gave me was to agree to be my "Mother-of-the-Bride" in my wedding, since I had lost my own Mom years earlier. When John and I moved to Calgary, it was always just taken for granted that whenever we drove back to Vancouver, there was always an overnight stop to see Irene and get a hug. While the last few years had increased the physical distance between us, it never impeded the continuation of our friendship. I loved visiting her in Barra, but I especially loved when she came to Calgry to visit us. Facebook and emails managed to fill in the gaps in between.

Irene - I miss you so very much! I know you are at peace and that the hardships you endured during your short life will be lifted. You were one of the really good people in the world and it will be poorer for your absence.

Andrea Wittig.

xoxoxo
Sep 22, 2019
Todd, Moira, Ali we enjoyed the time we spent with Irene at various family gatherings. She was so much fun to be around full of laughs and energy! We will really miss her presence but will always have our memories and stories. Our deepest sympathies.

Kim, Terry, Cullen, Ava and Phoebe
Sep 20, 2019
QEPD Irene. We are very sad for your loss and we send you our deepest condolences. Irene was a beautiful kind person always happy and smiling. She will be very missed in Barra.

Que en Paz descanse y brille para Irene la luz eterna ????

Kim y Patricia Miles

Barra de Navidad, Mexico & Vancouver, Canada
Sep 20, 2019
Irene was a great lady, had 24/7 smile and was always there to help, barra lost a very special person, I will miss her very much, be with the angels and god in heaven, adios Irene----Dave Mcdonald.
Sep 20, 2019
Allan & I were saddened to hear of Irene’s passing. Her infectious smile, warm heart & fun personality will be missed. We are better people for having known such an amazing friend. We will miss seeing you walking, fundraising & enjoying Barra. Our sincere condolences to the family.

Irene Fairles & Allan Sydorko
Sep 20, 2019
All of us at Pro Animal Melaque offer our heartfelt condolences to Irene's family. Irene was an important part of our team, helping the animals most in need here in our community. She worked tirelessly at our free spay & neuter clinics, always with a smile and her fun-loving nature. She will be sorely missed by Barra's four-footed residents and all of the rest of us.

Adios amiga, QEPD Irene.

xoxoxoxoxo

Pro Animal Melaque, A.C.
Sep 20, 2019
Absolutely heartbroken! Great friend, she will be missed always!

Joyce and Gary Pittman, Lazaro Cardenas, Jalisco MEXICO
Sep 20, 2019
Leslie, sorry to read of your Mother's passing. Irene was a great friend to all that were fortunate enough to have spent time in her company. Irene certainly lived a full life!

Ed Rankin
Sep 20, 2019
My family got to know Irene last year when we were living in Mexico. She was a genuine, caring person. We loved her company. Her involvement in the local community was an example of good citizenship for foreign visitors and locals alike. We are so happy to have known her, and wish the family our deepest condolences.

The Willans
Sep 20, 2019
My Auntie Irene - she still referred to herself as that to me only a handful of years ago and I was in my early 50s! Such a spark of energy. A really wonderful person. I've got so many fond memories, from a child, late teens, young adult, and yes, recently. Todd, Les and Mitch, the world is a better place because of your Mother. Keep her memory alive and smile. She's smiling, I'm sure.

Wes Robinson