Irene Lottie Ainley (Ellis)
December 17, 1932 ~ December 20, 2011
Irene was born on December 17, 1932 in Spring Water RM, SK to George and Charlotte Ellis. Irene received her education at Connell Creek School and then graduated high school from Arborfield in 1951. Irene went on to secondary education to become a Registered Psychiatric Nurse; this is where she met her husband Frederick Ainley who was a Nursing Supervisor, they were married on November 14, 1952. She graduated as a Psychiatric Nurse in 1954. Irene returned to school again in 1958 at the University of Saskatchewan to take her Administration of Hospital Nursing, graduating from this in 1959 she returned to the training school in Moosejaw, SK and became a Psychiatric Nursing Instructor.
In 1961, Irene and Fred welcomed their first child Joel! In 1963, Fred was offered a job in BC in the Public Health Field, so the family packed up and moved west. Careers in Psychiatric Nursing came to an end; however, Irene’s training gave her the experience required to become a Special Services Officer with the National Employment Services Office. After the arrival of their second child, Tamara in the fall of 1963, Irene began her new career having to commute from Kimberley to Cranbrook. Irene was well liked and assisted many people in finding jobs suitable to their abilities.
In 1964, the family once again moved, this time north to Dawson Creek, the family remained here until the summer of 1971 when they were able to move southward ending up in Williams Lake. They loved it here so much that they didn’t look at transfers south anymore. Irene soon took over the Manager position with the Canada Employment Office, the office saw many moves in the community. She retired in the spring of 1993 from the office’s current location on 4th Avenue.
Irene became very active in the community being a Girl Guide Leader, parent cheering section for sporting events, baker for any events that came up at school. Irene was also a very active member of the Williams Lake Rotary Club, she sat as an executive member on the Curling Club & Golf Club. She always opened her house to sporting teams/events when billeting of team members was required. Irene and Fred loved to travel taking many trips over their years.
Irene is survived by her husband Fred, daughter Tamara (Craig) Bush, grandchildren: Danika, Kayla and Nico. Sisters: Margaret Hackett, Jean (Ivan) Hackett, Ellen (Keith) Turpin, Ida (Paul) Miezianko; brothers: Tom Ellis, Terry (Joanne) Ellis; numerous nieces & nephews, cousins and wonderful friends. Special mention to Margaret Becker, Nicole Becker and families.
Irene was predeceased by her son Joel; parents George and Charlotte; brothers-in-law: Harold Hackett, Barton Ainley, Victor Ainley; sisters-in-law: Marjory Ellis, Betty Ellis, Marion Ainley and nephews: Stan, Jim and Dwayne.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Seniors Activity Center.
Donations can be made to the Central Cariboo Hospice Society.
LaPrairie’s Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements. 250-398-9100