October 10, 1922 - January 7, 2020
On Tuesday, January 7, Kay Irwin loving mother, Granny, and Great Grandma passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 97. Kay was born on October 10, 1922 in Bellis Alberta to Zinovey and Irene Antonenko. She was the last of their 12 children.
In 1942 Kay attended Normal school at the University of Alberta and began her teaching career in Alberta in 1943. After moving to BC she continued to teach there, and altogether taught for 38 years. Kay always maintained that her teaching days were some of the best days of her life. Kay married Don McCormick after Normal school and together they had two daughters Heather and Sharilyn. They were married for 19 years. Bill Irwin became her second husband in 1970, and the two were happily married for 11 years during which they travelled to the tropical Isles together making memories to last a lifetime. It was with much sadness that Bill passed away in 1981.
Kay loved music and spent many years helping spearhead the Lakes District Music Festival, watching the magic of Musical Theatre come alive in the eyes of the students she involved in school productions. Music was a gift she passed down to her family, as both granddaughters Kirsten and Thea sing professionally, her grandson Joachim is an active drummer. Kay doted on her grandchildren and always had an enduring interest in their lives and loved to time to spend with them. In the last months of her life she especially lit up when she got a chance to meet her great-grandson, Oscar (Thea's son). He chatted happily with her whenever he came to visit great-grandma.
Kay is survived by her loving daughters Heather (Stan) and Sharilyn (Lloyd) her grandchildren Joachim, Kirsten, Thea, Nancy, Wendy, Stan and great grandchild Oscar. Uwe, her former son-in-law, stepson Bill Irwin (Desi), her nieces Maureen (Dale) Sandy (Rick) and many more nieces and nephews that were all special to her.
Kay's families are very grateful for the care she received and would like to thank Drs. Magee and Graetz, the Nurses at Burns Lake hospital, the Care Aides and Cooks. Also the Volunteers, Hairdressers, and visitors. These people helped make Kay's last three years happy, comfortable, and engaging. A celebration of life will be announced and is planned for early August.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one. - Kahlil Gibran