Irene passed away, July 27th. Irene was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, qualifying as an RN in 1949. Around that time, she met Jack Thomson, a decommissioned RAF pilot at the wedding of his friend Hartley Clarke and Madge Nicholson, her sister. They married in 1950 and immigrated to Canada in 1953. She had two sons; Neil and Ian, with the family settling in Beaconsfield in 1960. Jack joined Kruger Pulp and Paper eventually rising to VP of Finance, retiring in 1986. Jack passed away in 2003. During the 60’s Irene contracted arthritis which gradually worsened to a near crippling level, which diminished 20 years later, but by then much joint damage had already occurred. A woman of indomitable courage, she none the less pursued re-registering as an RN in 1978, having to settle for being a nutritionist as she lacked the strength for normal nursing duties. Throughout her life she was active in Beaconsfield United Church and in the community. She was a member of the St. Lawrence Choir for many years, an activity she took pride and joy in. She was also an avid gardener and loved to travel and had an insatiable appetite for knowledge.
Ian and Neil Thomson would like to invite family and friends to join in a celebration of her life at Beaconsfield United Church, 202 Woodside Road in Beaconsfield on Friday, Aug 7th at 2PM for a memorial service, with a reception to follow. Irene has asked for donations to be made to the “Doctors without Borders” and “Save the Children” in lieu of flowers. For those coming from out of town or those with questions or comments please contact Neil Thomson (613) 220-9929 or neiljthomson@rogers.com.