Obituary of Irene Margery Neil

NEIL, Irene Margery

(née Dimen)

Irene, of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the age of 82 years, with her daughter Brenna at her side. She was predeceased by her parents Gisella and Joseph Dimen; her brother Kenny; and her sister Betty. Irene is survived by her daughter Brenna; siblings, Ernie (Arlene) Dimen, Mary Ann (Leonard) Desjarlais, Sylvia (Lee) Stephenson, Joyce (Pat) Gyug, and Beverley (Richard) Fink; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Come and Go Tea to celebrate Irene’s life will be held at the Speers Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK on Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Flowers are most gratefully declined. Friends and family wishing to do so may make a donation to the charity of their choice in honour of Irene.

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On Sunday, March 24, 2019 I said my final goodbyes to one of the toughest, bravest and most resilient women I have ever known. 

For the last eight years my mom and I were a team - a force to be reckoned with - and we pushed back at all of the struggles that came our way. Her decades long career in health care meant that she was well known and well-liked by many whose lives she touched over the years and she was recognised and kindly remembered by many of the people we met along the way. Mom overcame so many health issues that it was shocking to receive the call that she had reached the last one and that we were not going to win this time. The last several years by her side were challenging, sometimes a really good laugh, and often frustrating. They made me a stronger and more compassionate person and it was an honour to be at your side when you left this world.

My mom had a sharp wit, a wicked sense of humour, and a smart remark always at the ready.  She was not one to be pushed around. Even in her final years in the care home environment, she was a bit of a badass. My mom was creative, opinionated, and outspoken. She was always fiercely and unapologetically herself. On the flip side, she could be damn stubborn and often pushed away those she loved the most. Those who know her best know that loving her was not always easy, but she helped to make me the woman I am today.

Mom, I love you more than you could ever know and I will miss you always. May your journey bring you peace.