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It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Johnston; beloved wife and mother, energetic sister-in-law and gregarious friend to many on September 23rd, 2019. Irene was born in Vienna, Austria on March 12th 1941 to Ernestine Freiberk and Rudi Liskar. She emigrated to Toronto in 1953 and met her husband, Mike while working at McLaren Advertising in 1965. Irene and Mike spent almost 38 years together living in many locales across Canada and raising a wonderful family before settling in Cramahe Township for good in 1983. Happily, Irene had plenty of room to showcase her love for horses by owning several of them, complete with the proper accessories. Irene’s warmth, kindness and open heart made her several friends in the Township. Guests frequently arriving unannounced bearing gifts of food, flowers and allegedly, drinks. These were shared in many impromptu celebrations where stories were traded and cheeks were red with laughter. Sadly, life’s irony intervened. The energetic and indomitable Irene struggled with an illness that rendered her body frail yet her mind remained sharp. Friends and family still enjoyed sharing with and caring for this remarkable woman. She left us peacefully with family members by her side. Irene is remembered as a resilient, gifted and caring mother by daughter Erin, husband Joe, son Christopher, his wife Nancy and their children Samantha and Murray. She will be missed. Visitation services will be held on Sunday, September 29th from 2pm-4pm at MacCoubrey Funeral Home 30 King St. E., in Cobourg, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the MS Society of Canada in Irene’s name. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Multiple Sclerosis Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Multiple Sclerosis Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
Dear Erin & Chris,I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have many fond memories of spending time at your home. Sending warm thoughts to you both.Sincerely, Elissa
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Multiple Sclerosis Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Chris,Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Nance, Sam & Murray during this very difficult time.Much Love,Kevin, Antonette, Alex & Rachel Z
I feel that it should be noted that a few words cannot and will not ever do justice to the great personality that was Irene and the great impression that Irene managed to leave on our family. We came to know Irene through my Sister and Mother who arranged to keep horses on her farm. Gradually - and, for the family - almost without notice, Irene became not so much a neighbour but an irreplaceable figure at family dinners, a most trusted and respected voice, a valued confidant and friend. It is never possible to fairly evaluate or understand the degree to which one has impacted another’s life but it surely is true and fair to state that Irene played a major role in our family, and though for or short time, she wil be remembered for a lifetime. A friend should be kind, understanding, provoking, and encouraging. Irene managed to be all things these things equally and unfailingly and was the kind of person that anyone would be honoured to call a friend. Her bright human spirit represented in her unwavering willingness to help, her civilized and well mannered approach to others and her desire to be present - however necessary - for those whom she loved, will never be forgotten. We are grateful to Irene’s family for graciously sharing her with us, as we found in her a loving spirit that filled a void in our lives. She will be missed.
Our thoughts are with the family at the loss of Irene. May your good memories carry you forward in the time ahead.
Chris, Nancy and family,So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved mother / mother-in-law. "Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love."
To the family, and friends of Irene The opportunity that was given to me, to be with Irene in the last 8 months was a blessing. To care for her in her own home was a wonderful experience. Irene will be dearly missed, but not forgotten.
We are sadded to learn of Irene's passing. Irene was such a beautiful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Sincere condolences.
I had the pleasure of meeting Irene when she would come to visit Vera Teleki, she was such a lovely lady. Deepest condolences to all of Irene's family and friends. May your memories of Irene help you through this difficult time.
What can I say... except that I miss ya Reenie!! We had lots of laughs, tears and intense chats about everything!! Your infinite wisdom will stay with me forever. Hugs from your 'pick up man'. Lots of love and hugs to Erin, Joe, Chris, Nancy, Samantha and Murray. Your Mom and Grandma was sooo very proud of you.Love you.