IRENE HARRISON

Irene Harrison (nee Naturkach), of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Monday, July 12, 2010 at La Verendrye Hospital after losing her fight against cancer.
Irene (“Rene,” “Ena”) was born Nov. 29, 1940 to the late Pete and Frances Naturkach and raised in the Fort Frances area.
She was the eldest of seven children and early on often was depended on to care and support her brothers and sisters, which she lovingly continued to do until it was her time to be cared for and supported throughout her fight with cancer.
Irene was the beloved wife of Ken Harrison and together they enjoyed more than 30 years of marriage.
Irene was mother to Michelle, whom she thought the world of despite the miles that separated them.
Irene worked in Fort Frances for many years at a local pharmacy before taking the risk to achieve a personal dream of becoming an esthetician. This took Irene to school in Winnipeg, Man. where, as a mature student, she successfully achieved her esthetician’s license.
Irene returned to Fort Frances and began her esthetics practice with a local salon before taking the risk to achieve yet another personal dream of running her own business.
Irene owned and operated “A Little Bit of Heaven” out of her home until her illness prevented her from doing what she loved.
Irene always went out of her way to provide a little bit of heaven to all her clients, as her attention to detail and the comfort of her clients was foremost.
Already the lament amongst her clients is “Where will I go now?!”–she was that good.
Irene was a homebody and when she wasn’t tending to her clients, she enjoyed the simple things in life: reading, the Discovery Channel, a good hockey game, browsing The Bargain Shop, or a visit/phone call from family or friends.
Family was important to Irene and before the passing of her mother and sister, Shirley Sether, Irene loved going on coffee dates with her mom and sisters and, on occasion, was talked into travelling to Fargo, N.D. with them.
She was, by far, the best and fiercest hugger ever and always, always included an equally zealous squeeze for the cheeks. For this she was legendary!
Irene is survived by her husband, Ken, and her daughter, Michelle Pruder (Nelson); grandchildren, Harlie, Hannah, Emily, and Kelly; sisters, Mary Ducharme (Jack) and Vicky Gillon (Dave); brothers, John Naturkach, Bill Naturkach (Heidi), and Gary Naturkach (Paulette); and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews, as well as countless friends, family, and clients whom were blessed to know her.
In keeping with Irene’s requests, the family will be celebrating her life in a private ceremony.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
—Thomas Campbell