Obituary of Lily 'Irene' Callander

LILY IRENE (T00TS) CALLANDER neé REECE December 22, 1919 – MAY 31, 2016 It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Irene, a very strong independent woman with family at her side. Her journey in life began in England and has ended in the Palliative Care Unit at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina at the age of 96. Irene was predeceased by her husband, John (Jock) Easson Callander (1964), father Joseph Reece (1972), mother Jessie Reece (1987), sister Gladys Reece (1996), brother Thomas Reece (2011), brother Denis Reece (2014), special friend George Huber (2008), son-in-law Ken Nichols (2011). Extended family; Donald Callander (2004), twin brother Ronald Callander (2012), Joy Callander (2015). Irene is survived by her son Robert (Bob) Callander (Doreen) of Saskatoon, Bonnie Nichols, of Regina, seven granddaughters; Angela Allan (Ben), Heather Callander (Matt), Cheryl Chilagan (Rudy) all of Saskatoon, Pamela Gelsinger, Kristen Matravolgyi (Chris), Megan Fairbairn (Kyle), Whitney Beug (Justin) all of Regina and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her youngest sister Audrey Abello. Extended family; Len Callander, Audrey Pyne, Mona Callander, Mary Callander and many nieces and nephews. Irene was also known to her family as Toots. She was born in England and at seven months came to Canada where the family moved several times; Kronau, Grande Coulee and Balcarres farming communities. Growing up in the early years she witnessed first-hand the many struggles and hard times the family went thru during the thirties and war years. At the age of 19 she moved to Regina to go to Success Business College before landing jobs at Simpsons, Co-op Life Insurance and finally the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. She met Jock and they married August 18, 1950. Irene and Jock moved to Weyburn and then to Moose Jaw where Bob was born (1952). In 1954 they moved to Regina and bought a three story house where Irene lived until only weeks ago and this is where Bonnie was born (1955). After Jocks passing in 1964 Irene learned to drive a car and became very self sufficient and independent. Irene was a member of the Regina Horticultural Society, The Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxillary, and the Elks Royal Purple. She enjoyed dancing where she met long time friend George. In later years she enjoyed listening and watching the Saturday night polka party and wrestling on TV. Another favorite pass time was doing cross word puzzles and reading her weekly magazines. She always enjoyed good health and spending time with family to watch the great grandkids. Besides all of that she valued the company and benefits of her house cats and neighbours. A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. The family wishes to thank the staff on Unit 3B and Unit 3A palliative care at the Pasqua Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care they provided for Irene. In lieu of flowers donations may be made, in memory of Irene, to the Regina Humane Society, P.O. Box 3143 Stn Main, Regina, SK S4P 3G7 or the Salvation Army, Division Headquarters, 2240 13th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3M7.