She was born on a farm in Eigenheim, SK on June 30, 1927 to David G. and Justina Epp, the first in a family of six brothers and one sister. She married Roy H. Stuart, her beloved husband of 60 years, on Sept. 2, 1956. They settled in Wakefield in 1967 with their four children. There they started Eglise La Pêche. She had a passion for life: grandchildren, family, friends, church, music, walking, letter writing and the beauty of nature. As a charter resident of Sully Gardens in Wakefield, she welcomed all and made them feel at home. Her inner beauty and peace were evident to all, particularly in her last days as cancer returned. Her faith in God was unshakeable. 

 

Irene was predeceased by her parents and brothers Walter (Mary) Epp and Bruno Epp. She is survived by her husband Roy; her children David (Kathy) Stuart, Joy (Arthur) Dyck, Ellen (Doug Kunyk) Stuart, Gloria (Jim) Rudenberg, 19 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; her brothers Dennis (Tokuko) Epp, Carl (Madeline) Epp, Victor (Helen) Epp, Oscar (Rosalind) Epp and her sister Elsbeth (Jim) Moyer, sister-in-law Anne Epp and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all those who contributed to the care of Irene during the time of her illness, particularly Drs. Michelle Lajzerowicz and David Gold, and the Palliative Care Team in Wakefield. 

 

A celebration of Irene's life and faith will be held on Saturday, September 3rd, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wakefield Community Centre, Wakefield, QC. The wearing of color would be welcome as Irene had no black in her wardrobe.

 

Rev. Roy Stuart is a retired EMCC pastor. Thank you for your prayers for Roy and his family.