Obituary of Irene McFarland

McFARLAND: Irene McFarland of Brandon passed away at the Assiniboine Centre on Friday June 1, 2012 at the age of 79 years. She was born February 5, 1933 to parents, Bill and Edith Cooper of Tilston, Manitoba where she grew up and completed her schooling. Irene was the eldest of four girls, and was proud of her small town heritage. In 1950, she began her teaching career as a permit teacher, after which she attended Normal School in Winnipeg. She taught first at Douglas School then soon after with Brandon School Division where she worked as an elementary teacher at J.R. Reid, then as Librarian at George Fitton until her retirement in 1990. In 1955, she married Bob Bullee of Douglas. They moved to Brandon and raised two children, Scott and Pam. Bob died tragically in a car accident in 1965. Irene remained a widow for many years as she continued to further her education at Brandon University completing her B.Ed and M.Ed degrees while raising her children. She continued to love teaching and was always enthusiastic about her students' success and her friendships with fellow teachers. Irene was an accomplished artist, working in oils, acrylics and watercolors. Her artwork has been on display at many venues, most recently in the "80 - Up and Rising" exhibit at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. She also created many craft items for exhibit and sale at numerous shows and craft sales. In 1982, she married Willard McFarland of Carroll. Within the next few years their blended families brought them many grandchildren. Irene and Willard loved to square dance and they had many friends through this association, dancing in numerous communities in southern Manitoba, as well as Arizona and Texas with their Snowbird friends. In the 1990's, they moved to their acreage south of Brandon. Together they grew flowers, vegetables and orchard fruit. She was a Marriage Commissioner and performed numerous weddings with many of the ceremonies taking place in their scenic yard. Sadly, Willard passed away in 2003 and Irene returned to Brandon. She continued to stay busy with her artwork and enjoyed the company and friendship of fellow residents at River Heights Terrace, playing cards, teaching art lessons, or doing puzzles. Irene relished being a grandma and took an interest in whatever her grandchildren were doing, including attending sports events, music recitals and taking trips with them. She was interested in any happenings in the lives of her nieces and nephews, near and far and loved to get phone calls or visits to chat and catch up on their news. Irene loved to travel and made a point of seeing many places, taking many trips with her husband Willard, as well as with her sisters and friends. She was a real "people person", always looking forward to the next family event or social gathering. Irene volunteered with a number of Brandon organizations including Westman Immigration Services, teaching English to new Canadians and she did work for Seniors for Seniors, including volunteering to read to the blind. Irene is survived by her son Scott Bullee (Bev), grandchildren Kelly and Brad; daughter Pam Dueck (Leo), grandson Kevin; step-son Scott McFarland (Lori), granddaughters Ashley, Amber and Lisa; great grandson Christian; step-son Brent McFarland, grandchildren Chad, Janessa, Brook and Teal; her sisters Catherine, Ann and Willie; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Irene's life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on June 8, 2012 with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. Private burial followed at Tilston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tilston Cemetery Fund, Box 54, Tilston MB R0M 2B0 or the Canadian Liver Foundation 210-375 York Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3C 3G3.