August 6th, 1928 – September 15th, 2023,
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Irene Tippe on September 15, 2023, in the Sundre Seniors Lodge at the young age of 95.
The family would like to thank the staff at the lodge for the loving care she received during her time there. Irene was born in her grandmother’s home at Westerdale, Alberta to Jim and Margaret Whitlow. She had an older sister Margaret and a younger brother Bob. She was raised south of Cremona and attended Atkins school. While working at Chester Holbrooks grocery store, Irene met and later married her husband, Bill. Together they had seven children: Marie (Bernie), Jim (Audrey), Larry (Glennis), Don (Tina), Denise (Dan), Allan and Cindy (Sheldon).
After losing Bill in 1968, she raised a loving family on her own. During this difficult time Irene held down several jobs to provide for her children, who are forever grateful for her love and devotion. She was very passionate about gardening and meticulous in the upkeep of her home and yard. Home was where her heart was. To keep things fun and alive, Irene loved to sing and dance. She danced like the wind and was as a songbird in voice. She became known as a 'second Mom' to many of her children's friends, her sweetness and kindness making her special to all. Irene loved her community dearly and participated in many ways. Years of curling adorned her time, as well as being a member of the Cremona Royal Canadian Legion and the Cremona Community Hall Board. In other unseen community endearments, it meant a lot to Irene, to provide baking on the doorsteps of many newcomers or a much-needed meal for those experiencing hardship.
She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. In her legacy she leaves behind her children as well as 10 grandchildren: Grant/Kristi (Marie), Carman/Cody/Candace (Jim), Eryn/Justin (Don), Jade/Lee/Calla (Denise): 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter. Irene was predeceased by her husband Bill, her son Don, her parents Jim and Margaret Whitlow, her sister Margaret Whitlow and her son-in-law Sheldon Thomson. Irene requested a private family service to be held September 22nd, 2023. Memorial tributes can be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion, Cremona Branch #172.
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been – there is a trail of beautiful memories”
