Sadly, the family announces the passing of Irene Hughes, 74, of Fort Frances, Ont., on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Irene was born Feb 11, 1942 in Fort Frances to John and Elizabeth Johnson.
She worked for many years in Nestor Falls, Ont. at the Arrowhead Camp and Helliar’s Resort. After relocating from Finland, Ont. to Emo, Ont., she worked as a home-care provider with the Red Cross and cared deeply for her clients.
Her hobbies included ceramics and crocheting. She also enjoyed her country music, spending many hours listening to her vinyl records.
She had the great pleasure of attending concerts of her favourite artists such as Johnny Cash in Fort Frances and George Jones in Chicago.
Irene will be lovingly remembered by her children, Rene (Pamela) Hughes of Tower, Mn. and Donna (Robert) Christianson of Glendale Heights, Ill.; grandchildren, Jessica (Matthew) Gustafson of Littlefork, Mn., Jennifer (Aaron) Reynolds of Okinawa, Japan, Jori of Tower, Mn., and Danny of Glendale Heights, Ill.; and great-grandchildren, Brody, Jude, and Sadie.
She also is survived by her sisters, Ellen Armstrong and Ruth Gray; and many nieces and nephews.
Irene was predeceased by her parents, John and Elizabeth Johnson; siblings, William (Beatrice) Johnson, Eric, Benjamin, and Aino (John) Pelepetz, Lillian (Ingvald) Larson, Hilda (Judson) Hartlin, Lila (Vaino) Hanninen, Edna (Floyd) Caul, and Helen (Jack) Watson; and brothers-in-law, Melvin Armstrong and Joseph Gray.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the Emo Cemetery.
Reception to follow at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Women’s Shelter of Hope (Rainy River District) c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
IRENE ELAINE HUGHES
