May Irene Fowler

September 13, 2021
May Irene Fowler passed away peacefully on September 13, 2021 at the age of 90 years at the Kiwanis Pavilion in Victoria, B.C.
Irene will be deeply missed by her loving daughters, Lorna (Richardt) of Langley, and Marlene (Rob) of Victoria; along with her cherished granddaughters, Brittany (Lorne) of Kelowna, and Emily of Vancouver; great granddaughter, Mya; and step-granddaughter, Nadine (Jaydon) of Calgary; along with extended family and friends in BC and Finland.
Irene was born in Chase, BC to Mary and Neil Silander who immigrated to Canada from Finland. Irene was raised in a close-knit Finn community and didn't learn English until she started school.
She lived in several places across BC but settled in Nanaimo where she met her love, Howard, who she married in 1953. Howard and Irene had many fun adventures over their 44-year marriage including camping with their three kids, trips to Disneyland, Reno, Yuma, and their final adventure together - a trip across Canada in their RV.
They were active members of the Moose Lodge in Duncan where they made lifelong friends and memories. After Howard passed away on their trip across Canada, Irene reinvented herself and showed her real strength and independence by continuing to make new friends, enjoy life, and even move to Victoria 10 years ago.
Irene worked as a school secretary for 18 years in Nanaimo at various schools; she enjoyed being a part of the education system and working with children and teachers. She was known for her crocheted clothes and chocolate chip cookies. Her smile and laughter were quick and if you needed a good cry, she was there for you. We were fortunate to have her love for all these years and she will be greatly missed.
Lepää rauhassa, Mummu.
Irene was predeceased by her husband Howard in 1997, her son Randy on January 1, 2021 and daughter-in-law Terry in 2019.
Our family wishes to thank the nurses, caregivers and all the staff at the Kiwanis Pavilion who provided mom such amazing and loving care over the last four years.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Alzheimer Society of B.C. (www.alzheimerbc.org) or the Kiwanis Pavilion Victoria (www.kiwanispavilion.ca/get-involved/donate ).
A Memorial Service will be held for Irene Fowler as well as her son, Randy Fowler, at the Coast Bastion Hotel, Malaspina room - 11 Bastion Street , Nanaimo, BC on November 12, 2021 at 12:30 pm with internment to follow at Bowen Road Cemetery.
Due to COVID limitations, if you would like to attend the service, please contact First Memorial with your contact info.