McCauley, Irene Mabel (Owens)

In memory of a life well lived and well loved: Irene Mabel (Owens) McCauley passed away peacefully with her children by her side in the early morning hours of July 24, 2018. Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. Survived by her children James (Darlene) McCauley, Susan (Peter) Lutfy and Patricia (Bob) McCauley, grandchildren Joanne, Michelle, Daniel, Amelia and Aaron, great-grandchildren Ben, Alex, Violet and Audrey, sister-in-law Joan Owens and four-legged pals Annie and Mitzi. Predeceased by her husband Lloyd, parents Melville and Mabel Owens, brothers Les, Jim and Ron, sisters-in-law Nora, Evelyn Owens and Evelyn McCauley, brother-in-law Glen and nephew Gary McCauley (Jackie). Fondly remembered by nieces and nephews, Jane, Lynn (Brian), Bruce, Barney (Bola), Judi (Greg), Debra (Randy), Dianne (Joey), Darryl (Trudy) and Rob (Cheryl). Irene was born on December 6, 1920 in the town of Cobalt. The family soon moved to Cochrane where Mel owned and operated a successful cartage business and later a timber camp. The family first lived on 11th Avenue where cows, pigs and chickens supplemented the family dinner table and the horses provided transportation and a livelihood. Irene said the family was never hungry during the Great Depression. Mabel always had a huge pot of soup or a roast ready to share with others, including men travelling the rails who were sent to the house by Mel. Irene had a happy childhood and never lost a deep love for her hometown. As an adult, she worked various jobs, the longest of which as a bookkeeper for Dorland Chartered Accountants, providing a home filled with good food (Irene’s famous butter tarts!) and warmth for her family and friends. Upon retirement, Irene was free to pursue her greatest passion – curling! – which she enjoyed well into her 80s. She made many friends and had many fond memories of the bonspiels, regular games and fundraisers through the years. When she had to retire from the ice, Irene continued to be a great fan of the sport, never missing a spiel on television. Irene was also an adept bowler, wowing her teammates in Lively into her 96th year. She always credited her years as a curler for the ability to put a proper spin on the ball. She enjoyed lots of laughs and many new friendships as part of the seniors’ league. Irene occasionally ventured onto the golf range with “the kids” in Lively, lending her skill as an expert putter to add to the points for best ball. In Cochrane, she was a regular at the Cochrane Golf Club. Her most amazing accomplishment was that of a modern day Grandma Moses, discovering her talent as a painter and artist following her move from Cochrane to Lively at the age of 87. Many homes are graced with her art which she continued to pursue almost to the end of her life. Many thanks to Wendy Fahey for years of enjoyment. Those in Cochrane will remember Irene as a tremendous volunteer. Name a volunteer organization in Cochrane and Irene was part of it, giving freely of her time and money to many worthy endeavors, such as the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 89 Ladies’ Auxiliary. In Lively, Irene joined the Walden Senior Citizens’ and Pensioners’ Club where she again made many lasting friendships and fond memories. Irene was born with a green thumb. She loved to garden, first at her home and as part of the horticultural society in Cochrane, and later helping her daughter in Lively. Her houseplants continue to be amazing, especially her long-lived orchids. Irene will be remembered with admiration and love. She enjoyed full health and activity through most of her life, only starting to feel the effects of age very late in her 96th year. She was kind, funny, compassionate, loyal, patient, forgiving, wise, generous, energetic, strong, capable and talented. She was one-of-a-kind, one of the last of our Greatest Generation, and she will be missed. A Celebration of Irene’s life will be held at Meadowbrook Retirement Community, 18 Jacobson Dr., Lively on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. All are invited to drop in anytime between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a cup of tea and a chat. A second celebration will be scheduled in Cochrane, ON in late August or early September when Irene will be laid to rest in the Cochrane Civic Cemetery. The family will contact friends and relatives once a date has been determined. Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Cochrane, 160 6th Ave., Cochrane, ON P0L 1C0 or to the charity of your choice.