Obituary of Irene Roseanne Quaale

It is with deep sadness that the family of Irene Quaale, formerly Brooks, announces her passing on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 in Regina, at the age of 87 years. She was born Irene Roseanne, first daughter to David and Mary Lorincz, September 30, 1931 on her grandparents’ farm near Cupar, Saskatchewan. She had an idyllic childhood, living on the family homestead at Crooked River before the family moved to Regina where she attended St. Augustine and Balfour Collegiate. As a young woman, she fell under the spell of a handsome artist, Vern Brooks, marrying in 1951. To say they travelled through life together would be an understatement: Vern’s dreams took him, Irene, and eventually their seven children all over Canada, eventually settling in La Ronge, Saskatchewan in 1973. It was there that Irene helped him start the newspaper, The Northerner, always at his side in life’s adventures. During most of her adult life, besides raising children, Irene worked as a secretary in government. Vern passed away in 1985 and she retired in La Ronge. In 1988, she met Gordon Quaale and they moved to Gabriola Island, BC, where they married in 1989 and built a home together, Irene swinging a hammer with the best of them. Irene and “Grandpa Gordon” resided on Gabriola for 15 years until Gordon’s passing. Irene stayed in BC, moving to Victoria for a few years and returning to Gabriola for a short while. In the spring of 2012, she decided to return to La Ronge where she spent the next six years, playing Scrabble, doing crosswords, and making borscht. Irene met her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in 2013 with gradual acceptance, determined to travel and live independently for as long as possible. In the fall of 2017, the family encouraged her to move to Regina, into assisted living, where she enjoyed family visits, Scrabble, games on her iPad, movie nights, and ice-cream socials. On April 24, 2019 Irene suffered a stroke and passed away peacefully one week later, with family members at her side. She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband Vern; sister Helen; brother Joe; her second husband Gordon; grandson Jason; and a number of dear brothers and sisters-in-law. Irene is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Marge, Kathy, and Pat; brothers, Ben and Ralph; her children Randy (Sharon), Rod (Valerie), Kim Christiansen (Scott), Karen Robertson (Scott), Richard (Susan), Kandyce Umbach (Derek), and Robert (Andrea). She will be missed by her grandchildren Ryan (Amanda), Lonn (Delee), Mackenzie (Randy), Erik (Melissa), Kyllo, Jordan, Keaton (Rohini), Alexandra (Eric), David, Jayne, Jack (Cassandra), Jeremy, Angus, Braiden, Sarah, Katelyn, Joshua, and Raylene; as well as fifteen great-grandchildren; and many other dear nieces, nephews, and friends. The family wishes to thank the staff at College Park II, and the doctors, nurses and others who provided care at the Regina General Hospital. A celebration of Irene’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16^th Floor, Toronto, ON, M4R 1K8.