Saturday, December 4, 2021
Aunt Irene was such a big part of my life growing up; you would never think that we lived in Oakville, and they lived in North Bay. Irene took her role as big sister to my dad Tom very seriously. She was fiercely protective of him and never let him forget she was his big sister. I know that sailing from Scotland and starting a new life here in Canada in the 50s reinforced how tiny their family of three was and yet showed just how bold and brave they were. Obviously, it was Irene's plan, and they were to either like it or lump it.
Together with Uncle Don, Irene built a beautiful family here and taught us all how to be honestly kind and generous. I always felt lucky to have them as a firm but always loving influence in my life. After four teenagers passed through that house on Glenwood Rd, they still welcomed me even for entire summers (provided I was kept busy with creative writing and Bronze Medallion courses) and were willing to bring me with them to Scotland when I was 16 years old. Such a different yet perfectly suited pair.
My condolences to my cousins Peter, Sheila, Heather, and Brian and the entire family that began with Rosetta (Gran), Tom (dad to me), Irene and soon after, Don - so many years ago.
Love,
Rhonda
