This beautiful soul will be forever remembered by her husband of 67 years; Ted Richardson; daughter Paddy (Lesley); son Doug (Holly); and grandchildren Emily (Aaron) Scott, Ian (Alyssa), and Davis (Kiara) MacLean, and Ben, Josh, and Liam Richardson; four great-grandchildren, Oliver and Evelyn Scott, Ozzie and Cruz MacLean; and sisters Paddy Kirk and Judy MacLean.

After growing up in Lethbridge, Iris attended the University of Alberta to pursue a degree in Pharmacy. It was there she met Ted, and a true partnership was forged. After both receiving a degree in Pharmacy, they moved to Lethbridge and shortly after opened their first drugstore. Together, over the years, their entrepreneurial spirit opened several additional stores, all the while retaining that ‘corner store’ feel. Always a keen student with a brilliant mind, Iris returned to school in the early ’70s and obtained an Arts degree from the University of Lethbridge (with great distinction) just for fun.

Iris and Ted retired in 1994, and while they lived their free time to the fullest, it was her generosity of spirit that landed her in an organization she was very passionate about until her final days — the Interfaith Food Bank of Lethbridge. Iris was a constant presence in Client Intake. Her endless compassion and respect for the dignity of others made her committed to the food bank’s mission for almost 30 years. Iris always dodged the spotlight, never seeking recognition or attention for her many selfless and charitable endeavors.

One of Iris’ greatest pleasures was having generations of family gather at her home on any occasion. She took immense joy in seeing each grow into their own. Her grandson Ben summed her up beautifully: “Ceaselessly putting others before herself and always ensuring others were enjoying themselves to the utmost when they were her guests.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this summer. Arrangements will be announced when complete.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.