Irene was born on January 18, 1932, to Margaret and Paul Paulson and raised in Spohn 3 Township with her sister Alice.
It is with profound sadness that the family of Irene Baranowski (nee Paulson) announce her passing on January 22, 2025, at the age of 93.
As a teenager Irene worked at tourist camps in Nestor Falls where she met and then married Mike Baranowksi on April 12, 1950. They settled down in Nestor Falls where they worked at Arrowheads Camp for many years before buying their own tourist camp, Sunset Cove. Irene loved to visit with the guests and never forgot a face or name. She had an amazing sense of humour and loved to laugh and especially liked Norwegian jokes. Many of the friendships, made then, lasted a lifetime.
Irene was an avid curler and participated in many curling bonspiels. Her and Mike travelled to many places to watch the Scotties and Brier. She also enjoyed hunting and fishing and sometimes joined Mike in Bass Tournaments.
After they sold the tourist camp they retired to a quiet spot on Heronry Lake. Irene was an animal lover and had many pets, including Patches and Patsy who she taught to do tricks and a seagull she named Big Bird.
Later in her years Irene moved to Emo and then eventually Rainycrest in Fort Frances.
Irene will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews Garry Halverson (Glenda), Rhonda Dobransky, Paul Halverson (Kim), Laurie Delvecchio (Grant) and Danny Halverson (Gwen); as well as many nieces and nephews.
Irene was predeceased by her husband Michael Baranowski; her parents Margaret and Paul Paulson; sister Alice Bernst; brother-in-law Harry Bernst; and step-father Tony Hovorka.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Rainycrest for your compassion and care for Irene during her time there.
A memorial service with family will take place at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
