Obituary of Irene Loretta Winnitoy

Irene Winnitoy Irene Winnitoy passed away in Regina on March 31, 2015, at the age of 98 1/2 years. Irene was born as Irene Wilson in Regina in September 1916. her father was a railway engineer for the CPR, and this enabled her family to maintain close ties to family in Chalk River, Ontario. Irene was active in the United Church throughout her life. As a girl, Irene joined the choir at St. Andrew's United Church, and also sang as a soloist in community and church events. Music was always important in her life, and she passed this love onto her children. Irene married William (Bill) Winnitoy, a chemical engineer, in 1939, and began her life as a wife, and soon a mother of three children. In 1950, they moved to Lakeview, and the Lakeview United Church provided many social and community-building opportunities for both Irene and Bill. Irene worked outside the home for a few years after her youngest child entered school. She managed a hairdressing salon (Chez Le Roy) for a time, then a ladies dress shop. For a few years she worked as Executive Secretary at the old YWCA, for Lillian Russell. For a time Irene served on the board of Pioneer Village, to educate herself on the issues facing the elderly, as her mother lived to be 93 years old. Also, Irene was President of the Engineer's Wives Association for several years. Irene became very committed to volunteer work with the United Church in the area of Christian education, taking training and then conducting workshops wherever she was sent in the community. Her last active church membership was a Heritage United Church in Regina. Irene moved into Lakewood Manor Co-op in 1989, after Bill passed away. She was on the board there and served as President as well. Irene was still active in community work when she lived at Victoria Park Senior's Care Residence from 2008 until 2011 and served as the Chairperson of the Resident's Committee for a time. Irene is survived by her three children: Wilson (Joanie) and grandchildren Tayt (Lila) and Keely (Paul); daughter Gayle White and grandson Morgan Hughes; Brent (Gloria) and granddaughter Andrea Davidson (Robert); plus five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will take place for Irene on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Heritage United Church in Regina.