Obituary of Irene Emily McIntosh

McIntosh, Irene Emily - “Gramma Mac”, on April 8, 2020, at the age of 97. Born May 26, 1922, in Grimsby, England to Benjamin and Emily Wood. Irene was the eldest to her siblings Vi (John), Jim (Van), Frank (Phyllis), Rita (Jim), and Benny. Irene moved to Aberdeen, Scotland after marrying the love of her life, Joseph. Together they had three children, Joe (Kathy, Elinor), Janis (Carl), and Mori. In 1954 they uprooted and moved to Windsor, Ontario: first to Elm Avenue and eventually settling into their family home on Tecumseh Road West. It was in this home where Irene became the matriarch to our Canadian family. Family is, and always will be Irene’s greatest source of pride and accomplishment. Family to Irene meant more than blood. She was so proud of how her family grew over the years to include so many people. She deeply loved her children of course. Her son Joe, and daughters Janis and Mori were the sparkle behind her smile. She was proud of their successes and independence. Irene was the best friend to her devoted son-in-law, Carl. After Joseph passed away in 1979, Carl would regularly visit Irene on his breaks from work. Their love and friendship grew into a special bond of silliness and joy. Irene loved to brag about her grandchildren. She was always proud of the accomplishments of Neil, Heather, Lisa, Sarah, Ian, and Deb. Irene considered their spouses - Sheri, Peter, Lori, Jed, Chantel, and Karey - to be her grandchildren too. She adored her great-grandchildren, Jeffery, Liam, Shayla, and Catrina, as well. They all consider themselves lucky to have had a great-grandma in their lives for so long. Irene also leaves behind family and friends throughout Canada, England and Scotland. She touched the lives of all her nieces and nephews and their families as well. Irene was a lover of animals. She cared for many pets over the years: Toby, Cassidy, Brandy, Duchess, Holly, Snowball, and Mojo to name a few. Her big heart forced her to care for far too many neighbourhood strays, a trait her granddaughter Heather has inherited. Irene will be remembered by all who knew her as a kind and always-smiling soul. Whether singing “Tu-ra Lu-ra", or “California Here I Come”, or “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, playing UNO or RumiKub, sharing stories of England such as the fresh fish from her dad’s boat or the “chip pot”, these shared experiences allow her smile to live on through the people whose lives she touched. Irene’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to David Towers and the staff of Riverside Place for going above and beyond in caring for Irene. You all treated Irene with love and dignity and we as a family truly appreciate you. A celebration of Irene’s life and love will take place at a later date. Irene always loved it when family and friends were together. We’ll have a party for her! Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE (519-254-2585). Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca