Today (September 17th, 2014) they rolled back the carpets in heaven. Our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend Irene (born October 4th, 1940) put on her dancing shoes one last time to join her husband Leonard and lead him through their dance in eternity.
Irene was born and raised in the Finnish community near Whitewood, Saskatchewan, with her sisters Nina, and Eunice, and a brother Jack. She married Leonard Urzada on July 16 1958 and thus began a 50 year legacy of love.
Irene and Leonard moved to Calgary in 1959 where they raised 4 children and became an integral part of their community. Irene enjoyed volunteering for her children’s sports teams, camping, gardening, cooking, sewing, crocheting and spending time with friends and family. Irene was active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ogden Legion, and then in the community of Vulcan where she and Leonard retired in 2005. Irene’s biggest passion was her family and she was the driving force behind holiday celebrations for which she would spend weeks preparing. She was the heart of the Urzada Clan and the glue that bound them together.
Though small in stature, Irene truly was a force to be reckoned with, and those who knew her well were aware that if they couldn’t keep up then they’d best get out of the way. The front plate that hangs from Irene’s van is a true testament of her personality – “Get in, Sit down, Shut up and Hold on”.
Irene was predeceased by her husband Leonard in November of 2008. She will be forever missed by her children Joanne, Edward (Margaret), Christina and Stephen (Brenda), grandchildren Chance (Christa), Chad (Tanya), Ben (Charlie), Erin (Paul), Bryce, Vienna (Devin), Jesse (Ayla), Dylan, Derek (Kendra) Dustin (Jessica) and Colby, and five great-grandchildren Olivia, Jake, Ava-Lynn, Aiden and Nolan.
Although she is no longer a part of our physical world, her legacy will live on forever through the family that she and Leonard have created.
Funeral service Monday, September 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Vulcan Royal Canadian Legion Hall with Pastor Ina Golaiy of Saskatchewan officiating.
Interment Vulcan Cemetery
Tributes in Irene’s memory can be made to Vulcan Community Health Care Centre, Palliative Care Unit, Box 299, Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Vulcan Funeral Home, Directors. Telephone 403-485-2633 condolences to www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
I want to respond to your loving and best written obituary.
It was my pleasure to read and save your wonderful obituary in honor of your mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Over the past seven decades I have developed our genealogy. Roy Rushka
Dear Joanne, It was with great sadness that we read about your mom. She was trully a lovely and caring person and we enjoyed our association with her both in Calgary and in Vulcan. We have many fond memories of our visits together. Please accept our deepest condolences to you and the family.
Edward, Jo-Anne,Chris, Steven and families, we were heart broken to see that you have lost your Mother.
Even though we didn’t see them much in the last 10 years, they were always close to our hearts. If there is anything we can do, please call on us. We must apologize but we are not able to come to the funeral, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Lots of Love & Prayers, Fred & Evelyn.
Dear Chris,
We are so sorry to hear about your Mom, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Christina and family,
Our thoughts and heavy hearts are with you at this very sad time. May you take comfort in knowing your mom is no longer suffering and in pain . We are hear for you so lean on us when you need to.
sending lots of love and support you way,
Love Kellie &
Randy & Family