Obituary of Irene Holland

Irene Holland (nee Stretye) is now free from her struggle with dementia in her 90th year surrounded by the love of her husband and family at PeopleCare Oakcrossing in London, ON.  She was the beloved wife of Bill for nearly 68 years and cherished mother of Dave (Maureen), Rebecca Gee and Kathleen (Shannon).  She was a truly special Grandma to Chris (Erin), Erica (Steve), Jen (Dave), Steve (Janina), Cathy, Sarah (Ryan) and Shannon (Eric) and Great Grandma to Matilda, Ryan, Carter, Jackie and Jonny. She will be fondly remembered for nurturing their unique interests, encouraging the value of financial planning by bribing the grandkids to read "The Wealthy Barber". They loved sleepovers, popcorn parties and red jello with whipped cream!  She shared her Hungarian heritage by making mounds of Cabbage Rolls and authentic Chicken and Dumplings from her "secret" recipes.  Up until the past five years, she and Dad resided in Windsor, ON.  Mom was well known for her talents as a milliner when all the ladies wore hats to church.  She worked at Henry Ford Hospital for many years.  Mom's passion was creating beautiful things and she was a gifted crafter at many local and regional events.  She had an abundance of energy, loved to have many projects and interests on the go and was the matriarch of our family.  She loved to travel and Dad (a homebody) sometimes found himself with plans for a new adventure! A heartfelt thank-you to the compassionate caring frontline staff at PeopleCare where kindness and patience were regular gifts from Claudia, Nora, Saraphea, Cheryl, Sonja, Leah, Christian, Wilmer and Fernando to name just a few. Mom had a privately-paid PSW for a couple of years, Elma Braund, an angel who filled Mom’s life with many special touches.  Elma, you were remarkable to watch with Mom. Tears of sadness, love and gratitude followed her frontline team’s final visits/shifts – a true tribute to Irene’s affect on those around her. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and if you wish to make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer Society it would be much appreciated.   Condolences may be emailed to hollandkm@hotmail.com.