September 1936-February 2023 IRENE (HORVATH) SNOPEK, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at the age of 86 years with her children by her side on February 20, 2023 in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Irene was predeceased by her loving husband Joseph in 1996, her parents Elizabeth and Joseph, sister Mary and brother Jimmy. Irene's memory will be cherished, and she will be dearly missed by her three children David (Barbara), Rodney (Katherine) and Patricia (Eudes): 8 grandchildren: Brayden, Kristofer (Allison), Justin (Elisabete), Melissa (Eric), Amy (Nick), Joseph (Kate), Alexandre (Dana), Segolene (Mitchell) and 5 great grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings: Rose (George), Shirley (James), Joseph (Leanne), Ann and many nieces and nephews.
Irene was born and raised in Raymond, Alberta as the 2nd of 7 children. In 1957, she married her love, Joe, and moved to Lethbridge to raise their family. Irene worked at the Royal Bank and then moved on to Canada Safeway where her career spanned an impressive 25 years. Upon retirement, Irene became the "Traveling Grandma" making sure to visit her children and grandchildren, with whom she lovingly shared Hungarian songs, nursery rhymes and stories. These were joyful times for her.
Irene rejoiced in hosting large family gatherings to mark any occasion and generously sent home something delicious with her guests. She took pleasure in tending her flower and vegetable gardens and sharing the abundant harvest. She loved music, dancing and singing. The Sunday "Jams" in Shaugnessy, and at the local senior centers, gave her the opportunity to enjoy her passions. In her later years, when her health no longer allowed her to dance or sing, she still took pleasure in listening to her favourite songs. Irene had great fun playing cards and dominos at Martha's House with her friends.
A special thank you to Dr. Lowe, Dr. Spence, NP Jamie Cox and the nurses on the ICU unit of the Lethbridge Regional Hospital for the compassion, care and generosity of spirit shared with Irene during her final days.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday May 6th, 2023 at OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION CHURCH, 2405-12 Ave South Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Brent & Janelle Kolenich, April 29, 2023