Obituary of IRMA GRACE REICHERT

Irma Grace Reichert

1923-2018

Independent and capable to the last, mom called 911 herself for transport to emergency where she died peacefully. Throughout her long life she knew how to manage and take care of things, handling obstacles in stride and giving her best to family and friends. Common sense prevailed and was her guide.

Mom was born Irma Benoit (Benway) and grew up in Compton, Quebec on the family farm. Aside from a few later years in London, Ontario, she spent most of her life in Winnipeg living on Stella, Carruthers, Dalton, Hartford and Wellington Crescent.

The work she did during her life was diverse and demonstrated her adaptability. From office administration during the war to typist, telephone operator, school support, clerk and waitress, she was not afraid of hard work.

Sewing, crocheting and doing needlepoint were some of mom’s hobbies. Many of us have beautiful samples of her handiwork. Always a sharp shopper who knew her prices, mom was a careful money manager but always generous with her time and energy.

She loved to cook, bake and preserve to feed all those she loved; we'll miss her perogies, cabbage rolls, dills, chili sauce, apple pies and pets de soeur pastries. Her energy did not waver – at 95 she was eager to make dinner for all of us. 

Mom's passion over the years were her gardens – a variety of vegetables, and of course tomatoes, multiplier onions and her raspberry bushes. The bounty was shared with friends and neighbours and offered at her frequent garage sales. Even a few days before the end, she was proudly describing her gardening success in the pots on her apartment balcony.

Mom was proud to live independently in her apartment. She looked forward to calls and visits from her family, especially her grandsons who were a special joy. She doted on them and they responded with love. Despite some physical decline, she remained thoughtful and bright in her later years doing daily crossword puzzles and keeping an eye on world events, often discussing her latest read from Maclean's. She had indomitable spirit and exhibited sharp, clear-eyed thinking throughout her long life. In her last years, Mom came to understand the sadness that can come with a long life – the loss of siblings, close friends and acquaintances. 

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Mom was predeceased by her husband Joe, and more recently by her later life companion John Daly. She leaves behind her two children Jim (Jill) and Lisa (Michael), two grandchildren Jamie (Tiffany) and Daniel (Erika), two great-grandchildren James and Collin, her sister Ann, and many relatives and friends.

We will miss you Mom. You are dearly loved and will always be remembered.