October 1, 1939 - October 6, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, who died peacefully in her home in Courtenay with her eldest daughter Cheryl and her cousin Lorne Sutcliffe by her side.
Irene is survived by her four children, Cheryl Hill, Liena Braconnier, Lyle Braconnier (Tricia) and Darren Braconnier, all of Courtenay, as well as eight grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Robert McCoy (Shila) of Taber, Alberta.
She was predeceased by her father Kenneth McCoy, her mother Ann McCoy (nee Todd) and her husband Ector Braconnier.
Irene was born in her grandparents' home in Redcliff, Alberta. As a young girl, she began taking piano lessons. However, Irene quit when her teacher insisted that she learn to read music and refused to allow her to play by ear. As a result, she played by ear and sang beautifully.
Irene met her husband Ector before her fourteenth birthday. They were married in Drumheller on October 21st, 1955. They worked together with the travelling carnival for two years ("carnies").
Eventually, they migrated to BC and ended up in Cumberland in 1963. In 1969 they moved to an acreage on Forbidden Plateau Road where they operated a shake mill for several years. Ten years after Ector's death, Irene relocated to Courtenay in 1999.
Irene was baptized in 1993 and spent many happy and fulfilling years in the Jehovah's Witnesses organization, where she had numerous loving and special friendships.
She also loved to cook and bake and enjoyed sharing what she made. In addition, she delighted in travelling extensively around southern Vancouver Island with her cousin, always finishing the day with a nice meal, followed by a trip to Dairy Queen.
Irene loved many cats over the years; the last 14 years she was endeared by her two fur babies, Cheeko and Meeko.
Irene will be sadly missed by many. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no formal service.