Irene Elizabeth (nee Sawatzky) Gibson was born on November 2, 1922 on a farm in the Shell River Municipality of Manitoba. She was the oldest of seven children born to Frank and Mary (nee Wiens) Sawatzky. She grew up in a newly opened homestead near Boggy Creek, MB. Irene went to school at Happy Lake until completing Grade 8. She was the first person from the Happy Lake School to get some high school education, taking Grades 9 and 10 by correspondence. Grade 11 wasn't available through correspondence so her parents arranged room and board for her in the nearby community of Makaroff, MB where she could complete Grade 11. Irene met her future husband - "that long-legged Jimmy Gibson" as she would say with a secret little smile on her face - in 1941 when she came to Saltcoats to work in Barker's café as a waitress. After working in the café for the summer, she became a cook in a lumber camp near Boggy Creek. High School students were given the privilege of teaching by permit, due to a shortage of teachers during the war years. Irene took this opportunity and greatly enjoyed teaching school at Blue Wing and at Clemenceau, MB and later at Hepburn, SK while waiting for Jim to come home from the war. On June 30, 1946 Irene and Jim were married. They were blessed with three children, Judy, Wayne and MaryAnn. Irene loved language and music. She read to her children, recited poetry and often sang in her kitchen. Irene was a hardworking farm wife who milked cows, kept chickens, and tended a huge garden to feed her family. She was happy to share the fruits of these labours with friends and neighbours. An excellent cook and baker, her children and grandchildren always knew there would be fresh baking, no matter when they came for a visit. Irene was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for her younger siblings and her own family. She could cut out her own patterns and make them fit perfectly. Taking great joy in her grandchildren, she made them pajamas, knitted sweaters and was always making something for someone. Her expertise in sewing was also evidenced in all the quilts, dresser scarves, etc. that she made for her family, many of which she won prizes with at local fairs. She also entered and won the Home of Honour Award at the Buffalo Days Exhibition in Regina, SK. When she could no longer manage a full quilt, she turned her hands to making quilted Christmas socks, and made dozens of them for family, extended family and friends. Irene was an active member of the Perley Ladies Club and taught Sunday School when her children were small. Once a month the family attended Irene's family church in Manitoba, and had wonderful visits with her parents and other family members. She loved to visit her sisters and kept in touch with her brother, who lives far away. Family activities often included a good game of cards, which she loved. Irene lost Jim in 1986 to cancer, and continued to live on the farm alone for nine years. Irene herself, was a survivor, and often was referred to as the "Energizer Bunny". She fought her way back from many life threatening health issues including, numerous cancer surgeries (starting in 1973), a number of heart surgeries (starting in 1986) and a twisted bowel just to name a few. While taking chemotherapy in the 70's she taught herself to play guitar and loved playing with the Perley bunch for dances in the old school and any time they could get together. Irene was an avid gardener and won prizes for her flower and vegetable gardens from the Saltcoats Horticultural and Agricultural Societies. She especially loved her lilies and roses. Irene's yard and home were always open to visitors, whether it be neighbours coming for the excellent drinking water, the crab apples she grew in the yard or residents of Lakeside Manor Care Home coming to pick raspberries and then stopping for tea on the lawn. In 1995 Irene moved back to her old stomping grounds north of Roblin, MB to spend ten happy years with a childhood friend, Ed Lenderbeck and his family. She enjoyed being back among her old friends, visiting and reliving old times. Irene leaves to mourn her passing her children, daughter, Judith Walker of Delburne, AB; her son, Wayne (Carol) Gibson of Saltcoats, SK; her daughter, MaryAnn Gibson (Bryce Young) of Battleford, SK; her nine grandchildren, Darryl (Tara) Walker, Lori (Lyle) Stella, Angela (Bernie) Holick, Christina Gibson, Clinton (Rhonda) Gibson, Cory (Nicole) Irvine, Irene Irvine (Jody McAllister), Katrina Irvine, Jay Mitsuing and 13 great-grandchildren, Darci, Kimberly, Kaleb and Isabelle Walker, Paige and Brie Stella, Allysha, Chelsea and Morgan Holick, Brady Gibson, Ethan, Payton, Isabella and Nixon Gibson. She is also survived by her sisters, Dorothy Germain and Therese (Tom) Wheeler; her brother, Lorne (Pat) Sawatzky; her sister-in-law, Isabel Elmy as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Irene was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Jim; three brothers, Stanley, in infancy, Frank Sturgis and Llewellyn John as well as numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and her long time friend, Ed Lenderbeck. Funeral Services were held on Friday, February 3, 2012 from the Saltcoats United Church in Saltcoats, SK with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Ruth Datema and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir and Friends, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art", "God Who Touches Earth With Beauty", "Morning Has Broken" and the recessional hymn, "God be With You till We Meet Again". The choir selection was "In the Garden". Friends from the Church of God in Christ Mennonite sang "On Day at a Time". Irene's daughter-in-law, Carol Gibson, shared words of tribute and remembrance. All of Irene's beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren were invited to serve as the honourary pallbearers and the urn bearer was her brother, Lorne Sawatzky. The Cremation Committal will take place at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
