Remembering the life of Irene Rose Vereecken

1929 – 2026

Irene Rose Vereecken (née Reader) passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, with her daughter by her side, at the age of 96. She will take with her the rosary she held onto in her final weeks.

Irene was born on October 7, 1929, in Calgary, Alberta and spent much of her childhood with her brothers and cousins at her grandparents’ home, the now National Historic Site “Reader Rock Garden.” Upon graduating from high school in 1947, Irene completed a Provincial Civil Defence Instructor Certificate before going on to obtain her Teaching Certification with the Alberta Department of Education. She taught in elementary schools in Banff and Whitehorse. During the summer months she ran the “Tea Room” on Sulphur Mountain overlooking the town of Banff years before the gondola was built. It was there where she was nicknamed “Maid of the Mountains”. Irene and her family moved to Vancouver in 1965 where she, after having her eight children, taught part time at Our Lady of Sorrows. In 1975 she moved with her five youngest children to Osoyoos and became Head Librarian for the Town of Osoyoos until her retirement. She retired to the outskirts of Oliver to enjoy time with her family, friends, traveling, volunteering and of course, her garden. She lived on her own until almost 96, receiving weekly produce boxes from a local farm, reading, knitting and enjoying the sounds of the birds surrounding her home.

Irene travelled to many wonderful places around the world, always carrying her Hosteling International – Canada membership card. She would tell magnificent stories of her travels, the people she met and the places she experienced. She held such curiosity for it all and always travelled open and excited for the adventure ahead. Some of her travels included England, Thailand, Nepal, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Israel, Egypt, New Zealand, Panama Canal and Cuba. At the young age of 85, she backpacked around Ukraine for ten weeks with her travel companion.

Always the outdoorswoman, Irene cross-country skied and hiked for most of her life. Her love of nature often had her packing up her kids to take camping or out into the wilderness to explore and appreciate the outdoors. Her love of learning and the natural world led her to be a member of a local naturalist club. Whether it was with specific groups, friends or family, she often chose going outdoors as a way to spend time together.

She volunteered for organizations such as BC Parks, Okanagan Region Fish & Wildlife, South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls, Alpine Club of Canada and was a member of the McKinney Nordic Ski Club. For her support, there is a marker in her maiden name on the Trans Canada Trail in Canmore. She also loved live music and performances whether it was a performance in Penticton or a backyard jamming session. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 65 years as well as the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Irene was very generous with her time and either supported or volunteered for many organizations including BC Cancer Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Sen*Pok*Chin School and Scouts Canada.

One of Irene’s greatest joys in life was to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was her making the road trip to visit, a chat on the phone or welcoming them onto her front porch, she always had a warm smile to greet them. She loved exploring outside with them, going for a swim at the local lake close to where she lived or taking a walk to point out the various species of plants and animals. She listened attentively to their stories and interests and was thoughtful in the way she supported them. She would often write letters, send books and little keepsakes in the mail, which led to her being referred to as Grandma Books.

Irene was predeceased by her parents, Anne and Harry Reader, her brothers, Roland and Tony as well as her beloved Aunt Gracie whom she had physically cared for. She was survived by her brother Philip and his family, her children Larry, David, Jim, Annie, Monica, Robert, Raymond and Mike, their spouses/partners along with fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Dr. Andrew Pavillion for all their kindness, care and compassion over the past year.

The family invites those who knew and loved Irene to share personal memories and stories in celebration of her life.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com