It is with great sadness that the family of Iris Close announces her passing at the age of 97.

It is also with great happiness the family acknowledges that Iris lived a good life, a happy life, and a long life. She liked to say, when asked her age, “I’m older than the Queen” ~ followed by a giggle.

Iris’ life was filled with laughter, stories, trips, card playing, “snow-birding”, reading, crossword puzzles, and family. Born in Nelson, the Kennedy girls (her mom, Iris and her two sisters, June and Eleanor) moved to Vancouver where this “beautiful young lady” met and married her “sweetie” Allan Close in 1961. Together they raised three boys (Greg, Jeff and Doug) in Port Coquitlam. Iris and Allan made their way further out the valley to Mission, eventually moving to Grand Forks, Oliver, and then Summerland. Through those retirement years, Iris and Allan travelled to Arizona most winters, as well as many other trips including across Canada, Cuba, Hawaii, Florida, Wyoming and most of the west coast of North America. Iris loved the social aspects of those trips and frequently entertained family and friends with stories from their trips. She was always spunky… “a little bit sassy, a little bit classy, and a little bit smart-assy.”

Sharp as a tack, Iris loved to tell stories of her boys growing up. If ever anyone were uncertain about an incident, a particular birthday, family history… ask Mom/Gramma Close. She was a fierce woman – holding fast to her beliefs, defending those she loved, and generally had an opinion on most everything. She will be remembered for her love of her flower beds, her joy when having heart-to-hearts with her boys, her cheekiness when card playing, the sparkle in her eyes when she smiled, and always for her carrot cake recipe.

Left behind with many wonderful memories are her “sweetie” of 60+ years, Allan; her boys Greg (Deena), Jeff (Judy), Doug (Ardelle); eight grandchildren and another one on the way; many other family and friends.

She will remain in the hearts of all those who knew her.

An outdoor celebration of life for Iris will be held when the time is right (hopefully in the spring of 2022).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Iris’ name may be made to any organization of your choosing.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com