May 26, 1934 - July 25, 2018
Irma was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, USA. She met her husband Blair at the University of Denver where she earned her Bachelor in Arts. She then moved to Toronto with her husband Blair where they raised their family in Thornhill. They later spent time in Calgary, returned to Toronto and retired in the Cowichan Valley in 1988.
Irma was a devoted volunteer with the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE), a school teacher, art teacher and a highly skilled and talented artist. She was Past President and a long-time member of the Maple Bay Painters, a member of The Cowichan Spiritualist Church in Duncan and a volunteer with the SPCA.
Beloved wife to Blair, her husband of 59 years. Beloved mother to Dana Lynn, Wendi and Steven. Beloved Grandmother to Eric, Andy, Josh, Breanna and Zach. Beloved sister to Marlow. Irma was devoted to her many dogs-Missy, Taffy, Captain, Gypsy and Tessalou along with many cats she rescued along the way.
We remember her life and all that made her who she was, all that delighted her while sharing her stories and the many lives she touched along the way. We honour her life, her outlook, her inner strength and what she believed in, her goodness, her uniqueness, her own special gifts shared so generously with others.
We celebrate her life and her connections with family and friends, we all feel enriched having known her. We are so grateful for our time with her beautiful essence, her smile and her grace, for this is how a beautiful life is truly lived!
Her daughter Dana Lynn extends her gratitude to her Mother's caregivers, Lesley and Ann, Mary and John and Islandview Place staff who were all truly wonderful in their care of Irma, her Reverends Pat Gunn and Diane Burrough and all her dear friends in the Cowichan Valley.
Irma's artwork is lovingly displayed in our homes, each a treasured keepsake of her beautiful heart and soul. We take comfort in knowing that the highest and the brightest are with her now and she'll be forever in our hearts, for we love her so. Mom, you were truly the greatest gift of love in my life and in your grandson Eric's life.
We are planning a celebration of life at a later date in Duncan. For those who would like to attend, please contact Dana Lynn at valentinesloan@ gmail.com. Thank you to all who have expressed their condolences.
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