June 26, 1928 – October 25, 2025

Irene was born on her family’s homestead in Sprague, Manitoba. Irene was the second of five children and her family lived a frontier lifestyle based on hard work and self-reliance. Despite spending countless hours working on the farm, Irene was still able to excel at school. This  passion for learning, along with her strong independent nature, allowed her to obtain her teaching certificate and she began a teaching career in Sprague in 1946. After a couple of years Irene accepted another teaching position, this time at the township of Blue school in the Rainy River District. It is here that she met her future husband Everett Hanson at a community dance. 

Irene and Everett were married on August 5, in 1948. They established themselves on a farm just outside of town. Their union lasted for 58 years up until Everett’s passing in 2006. They raised a family of five children. Her legacy includes Wayne, Brian (Maria), Val (Wayne), Randy (Michelle), and Tim (Darlene). She also was a beloved grandmother to eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

She was loved and respected by all.

Irene was an independent, no nonsense, practical lady. She was constantly working or being physically active. She finally gave up her bicycle in her 80’s but she continued to do daily walks into her 90’s. Her memory was ironclad and her wit and sense of humour was enjoyed by all.

Irene was extremely community minded. She dedicated countless hours to the Women’s Institute, the United Church, the Kinsmen’s club, the Hospital Auxiliary, and the Local Legion. She was a social person who loved to visit and chat, often enjoying her favourite beverage of rye and Fresca. She was a source of endless wisdom and her opinions were sought out by nieces, nephews and grandchildren. 

Irene was predeceased by her husband Everett; children Wayne and Brian; parents Andrew and Valeria Steingart; siblings Alice, Andrew, Frank, and Julie.

Irene should be an example to all of us in how to grow old gracefully and with dignity. She did not want anyone to grieve her passing, but rather to celebrate a life well lived.

Irene did not want a formal funeral, and instead her family will arrange for a celebration of life event at a later date.

If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Rainy River Health Care Centre. Irene was a local lady and she was a strong believer in supporting the local facilities. Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario

You can only have one mother;

Patient kind and true;

No other friend in all the world,

Will be the same to you.

For all her loving kindness,

She asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture,

Sweet memories we recall,

Of a face so full of sunshine,

And a smile for one and all.

Enjoy all your next adventure has to offer Mom!