Irene Mary McCormack (nee Scowcroft) – Long-time resident of Rossland, passed away on April 11, 2015.
Irene was born on August 17, 1925 in Tisdale, Saskatchewan to Francis Aida Scowcroft (nee Lindsay) and Robert Scowcroft of Ridgedale, Saskatchewan. Irene was the eldest of six children, Dorothy, Robert, Maurice, Allan and Margaret. The family lived on a farm in the Leather River School District of Saskatchewan.
Irene, together with her brothers and sisters, traveled three miles by horse and wagon (or sleigh) to attend a one room school house. The school was grades 1 – 8. The children took correspondence, at school, for grade 9. For grade 10, Irene boarded with her Aunt Mary in Tisdale.
Irene furthered her education at Luther College in Regina, Saskatchewan. She also attended Balfour Tech to obtain her business certificate. After graduation, she was employed by the Department of Northern Affairs in White Fox, Saskatchewan, where she worked for two years before moving to BC with her family.
After arriving in BC in 1944, Irene started to work as a clerk at the Hollywood Sanatorium in New Westminster. She met her husband, Harold McCormack, in the fall of 1945. Harold had recently been discharged from the Navy and was working as a radio technician. They married in 1948 and moved to Rossland in 1952 to open a radio and television repair shop. Irene worked in the office of the Rossland hospital until they started their family of four children.
Irene and Harold purchased a lot at Christina Lake in 1963 and built a cabin. Every summer the cabin became home to the family.
Irene took up skiing and enjoyed many afternoons at Red Mountain with friends. Irene loved to garden and was an avid walker.
Irene has been very active in the Rossland community, participating in many organizations: Rebekahs, Art Club, Hospital Auxiliary, Seniors, Bocce. Irene was also very active in her Church Community, including Bible Study.
Irene possessed many creative and artistic talents. She loved quilt making and every one of her children, grand children and great-grandchildren are the proud owners of a “Grammy Quilt”. Slippers were another “Grammy Item” that everyone always waited for. Irene also decorated many wedding and special occasion cakes. Irene created corsages and floral arrangements for various organizations. Another of Irene’s great loves was her painting. She painted for 35 years, flowers and landscapes being favorite subjects. Many of her paintings hang on the walls of family and friends.
Irene was loved and cherished by her family, daughters Maurene (Garry), Marianne (Simon), son Michael (Nancy), daughter-in-law Jody (Brian) and grandchildren - Dan (Robyn), Doug (Leanne), David (Deana), Jacynthe (Greg), André (Meg), Chris (Melissa), Brian (Jen), Carrie (Jarret), Jesse, Nick (Tj) and Sam (Bethany). As well as great-grandchildren - Tavin, Greyson, Justin, Parker, Ryan, Leah, Alex, Ryan, Ayla May, Finn, Abigail, Blaine, Scarlett and Keaton.
Irene was predeceased by her husband Harold (2000), son Mark (1984) and great grand-daughter Annabelle (2013).
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2015 at 10:00 am at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Trail, BC with Reverend John Ruder officiating.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Irene’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC at 4 - 1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9M9 or online at www.heartandstroke.bc.ca
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca