IRENE JEAN DONNELLY

It is with great sadness we wish to announce the passing of Irene Donnelly, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 at Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. in Fort Frances, Ont.
She was born Nov. 18, 1930 in Blackhawk, Ont. to the late Alexander and Gladys Ross. She was the youngest of her eight siblings.
Irene began her career at the CIBC bank in Fort Frances in 1948, where she continued to work until 1976, when Murray, Irene, and son, Brian, made the move to Thunder Bay, Ont.
Irene returned to work at the Bank of Nova Scotia as Accounts Supervisor until her early retirement in 1984.
On Nov. 19, 1954, Irene married Joseph Murray Donnelly, together raising their three children, Maureen, Mel, and Brian. Irene took great pride in being a stay-at-home mom as family was very important to her.
As a child growing up on the farm, Irene had a love of animals—they were all her pets. She also was active in many sports, such as baseball, golfing, and curling, and was a long-time member of the Order of the Royal Purple.
Later in life, Irene faced many challenges which later would be diagnosed as a form of Multiple Sclerosis. She faced the adversities with courage and strength throughout the rest of her life.
With strong will and determination, and the help of the many dedicated care workers from CCAS, NILS, and Home Support, whom she truly appreciated every day, allowed her to continue to live independently in her own home.
In April, 2011, it became necessary for her to move into Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, where she once again adapted into her new lifestyle.
Irene is survived by daughter, Maureen Thomson (Mark Paldio); two sons, Mel (Janine) of Minneapolis, Mn. and Brian (Louise) of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and four granddaughters, Candice (Kris) Kadikoff and Christin of Fort Frances, Ont., and Lauren (Jordan) Douglas and Taylor Donnelly of Minneapolis, Mn.
She also is survived by her brothers, Sid (Eva) Ross and Gordon Ross of Fort Frances, Ont.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Irene was predeceased by her husband, Murray Donnelly, in 2005; brothers, Norman Ross, Delbert Ross (Sr.), and Donald Ross; and sisters, Katherine Halvorsen and Margaret Summers.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Rev. Barbara Miller officiating.
Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
A luncheon will follow at Knox United Church.
The pallbearers will be Mark Paldio, Kris Kadikoff, Jordan Douglas, Delbert Ross (Jr.), Connie Haugo, and Eva Costello.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the MS Society, Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., Rainycrest Long-Term Home Care, or a charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com