It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of IRENA GUGALA (née Wiaderny), of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Rudolf "Rudy" Gugala, and cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, at St. Therese Villa on November 6, 2023 at the age of 93 years.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Steve) Lea; grandchildren: Angela (Jeff) Mitchell and James Lea; and great-grandchildren: Hayden and Harry Mitchell. 

 Besides her beloved husband Rudy, she was predeceased by her son, Tom Gugala and her granddaughter, Madeline Gugala. 

Irene was born July 14, 1930 in Pilichowici, Poland, to the late Josef and Tekla Wiaderny. 

Her formative years were spent in Poland till up to the age of nine. With the outbreak of WW II, her family was forced to Germany to do free labour till the end of the war. After two and a half years in a refugee camp, she, along with her three brothers, immigrated to Raymond, Alberta in 1948. She met and married the love of her life, Rudy, in 1950. 

She worked in Raymond Municipal Hospital as a nursing aid until 1969, when the family moved to Lethbridge. She was employed at Lethbridge Auxillary Hospital, where she worked until her retirement. She had the patience, love and virtue in helping people. 

She loved spending time with her family, and formed a special bond with her grandchildren, Angela and James. She especially enjoyed looking after her great-grandchildren, Hayden and Harry, when they were babies. 

She will be remembered for her delicious baked goods and polish dishes. Her beautiful garden was appreciated by all, especially her roses. Her faith, along with the music, was very important to her and singing remained part of her life right till the end. 

Irene will be remembered for her kindness, positivity and unwavering love of her family. She will be greatly missed, but now is resting in peace. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH, 2405-12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback, Celebrant. 

Irena will be laid to rest in a private Graveside Service in Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, AB, with her husband Rudolf. 

Donations to the Alzheimer Society appreciated (alzheimer.ca)