Irene Lovina Baldwin (nee Skagfeld)

With sadness the family announces the passing of Irene on July 28, 2021 at the Grace Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband Art Baldwin in 1990.

Irene was born in Winnipeg to Stanley and Gladys (nee Gryte) Skagfeld in 1925. She grew up with fond memories of her childhood and young adult life with her siblings in St. Vital.

Her laugh was distinguishable and her outlook on life was very positive. Irene taught us many life lessons by example and left an imprint on our hearts with her unconditional love and acceptance.

Irene loved children. Is it any wonder that her first career was in children’s wear at Eaton’s? Throughout her life, the gift bag in her closet always contained one or two baby items for the next niece’s or nephew’s newborn. When she wasn’t working at Eaton’s, she could be found volunteering at the Children’s Hospital playing with young children about to face surgery.

Irene’s second career was at the Toronto Dominion Bank as a teller. This was a perfect fit for her people personality.

She married Art in 1967 through an introduction from her brother and side-kick in all types of fun, Cal Skagfeld. True to fashion Irene’s unconditional love has been felt by Art’s children, Dave and Colleen (Lewis). She has taught us innumerable lessons of compassion, acceptance and caring through deeds. She led by example with humor and always a positive outlook on life. Irene has been a true role model on aging. She believed in helping and serving others.

She always sponsored an adoptive child in a less fortunate country and managed to do Meals on Wheels for a number of years. There was an open door policy in our home where showers, sleep-overs, dinners and even a wedding was hosted.

Irene was a care giver to Art as his Parkinson’s disease progressed. Even the help with Art did not deter her from care-giving for others in our home for extended periods of time. She loved people and people loved her.

Irene will be sadly missed by Dave (Annelies) and Colleen (Brian); her grandchildren Jackie (Mike), Clark (Christine), Scott, Nick (Tamara), Marlise (Graham) and Brandon (Karly); great-grandchildren Lauren, Nate, Austin, Evie, Jayden and Jenna; along with numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Irene had many fond memories of the times and outings to which she was always included, especially the Gryte family reunions. Because her friendships were so strong the children of her long departed friends referred to her as Auntie Irene and they all have fond memories of times together.

A special thank you to Elizabeth for everything she did with and for Irene.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 3 at 11:00 a.m., at the Elmwood Cemetery, 88 Hespeler Ave.