Irene Mildred RICHARDS (nee Vanhorn)
December 25, 1925 – September 10, 2017

Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Irene Richards of Calgary, Alberta passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 10, 2017 at the age of 91. Irene was predeceased by her parents Milford and May Vanhorn, sister Ellen Carr, and grandson RJ Knouse. Irene is survived by her loving family: sons Gerry (Elaine), Mick, Jim (Cathy) and daughter Val (Rick) Breakenridge; grandchildren Don (Angela), Chad (Jeni), Andrew (Charity), KC (Rachel), Brittany, Alana (Dave), Samantha (Alana), Brandon (Kelsey), Tom, and Max; and great-grandchildren Canter, Gage, Lorelai, and Nolan. Also left to mourn her passing are very special friends Marty, Nancy, Donna, and cousin Joanne.

Irene began her career at the Calgary General Hospital as a unit clerk, and upon retirement was the head of the EEG Department having earned an EEG technologist designation. Mom worked hard to raise four kids on her own and create a career. We are immensely grateful for the life lessons she shared with us, and our strong work ethic is a testament to her leading by example. In her retirement years, Irene was a very active and engaged volunteer, thoroughly enjoying her time with the Calgary Police Service and the Alzheimer’s Society. She especially enjoyed the night she got to go on a ride along in the police helicopter and witnessed some crooks being chased down! Irene had a wide circle of friends and an active social life, enjoying for many years her Friday nights at “Stitch and Bitch”, bridge clubs with the girls, Stampeders season tickets, and her many outings to the various artistic productions around town.

Irene moved into the Fountains of Mission in 2011 where she was warmly welcomed and very happy spending her time with many new and cherished friends. Irene was especially grateful for all the wonderful staff at the Fountains.

Irene lived independently until the end. She was in hospital for a short stay before her passing and shared with us that she was ready to go when the time came. We are very grateful for the wonderful care she received from the doctors, nurses and staff on unit 57 at the Rockyview General Hospital.

A Celebration of Irene’s Life will be held at the Southern Alberta Pioneers Memorial Building (3625 - 4 Street S.W.) on Sunday, September 24th, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. www.heartandstroke.ca.

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Irene, visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.