Irene Palmer (Nee Lopaschuk)

November 1, 1932 - March 16, 2025

In Loving Memory ~

With loving hearts, we announce the passing of longtime Nanaimo resident Irene Palmer at the age of 92.A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, Irene is now in the presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Irene was predeceased by her husband of 54 years Frank Palmer and sister Alice Beecham. Irene is survived by her sons Mark (Patty), and Matthew (Liz), grandchildren Erin (Jordan), Shannon (Luke), Sophie and Charlotte, great grandchildren Logan, Bennett and Lyla and her sisters Kadie Reeme (Nelson), Annie Taylor (Fred) and Elizabeth Suess (Len). Born in a remote one room cabin in Fawn B.C. (near Lone Butte B.C.), Irene was a kind and gentle woman who had unconditional love for her family and was always looking out for the welfare of others. Raised during the depression, and having experienced her mother's kindness to others during that challenging time, Irene was always happy to help others in her own gentle way. It was not uncommon for our family to welcome those without family to our festive celebrations largely due to Irene's kind heart.

During her younger years growing up in Enderby, B.C. Irene was quite the athlete, taking part in sports such as soccer and basketball. Her claim to fame was having made the winning basket in a central Okanagan championship basketball tournament. A career opportunity with the Bank of Montreal in Vancouver saw Irene working at a branch just outside the gates of UBC. It was here that while out walking her landlord's dog she met

a young Frank Palmer, a UBC education student who she would marry on July 12, 1961. In later years Irene enjoyed camping, hiking, going on picnics with her family, taking walks, and travelling with her husband. Always artistic, Irene loved to paint watercolours especially local landscapes and all aspects of the natural world. She also made wonderful Christmas ornaments which many in the family cherish. Irene was an amazing

cook and baker, and she preserved many different fruits and vegetables. Proud of her Ukrainian heritage, many family Christmas Eve gatherings celebrated the traditional Ukrainian foods.

The central focus of Irene's life consisted of her family and her Christian family. She went to considerable effort to see her sons succeed in life, and later devoted many hours of love and kindness to her grandchildren. Many memories exist such as baking, doing artwork and sharing the outdoors with Grannie. In the last few years, she was grateful for the opportunity to meet her great-grandchildren. A devoted Christian, Irene lived her life faithfully following the teachings of Jesus and the Bible.

Many helping hands have been involved in Irene's care over the past five years including nurses, physicians, care home personnel, paramedics and NRGH staff. The family would like to express our sincere appreciation for the kindness, compassion and patience offered by so many exceptional people throughout Irene's care.

A short service and celebration of Irene's life will be held at 2:00pm on May 3, 2025 at the Nanaimo Destiny Worship Center Church located at 4900 Hammond Bay Rd. Nanaimo B.C. V9T 5B4. A reception at the church will follow. A book of remembrance will be provided for those wishing to share a story or fond memories.

Always concerned with the welfare of others, Irene was an early volunteer at Nanaimo's Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to this exceptional community organization.