February 10, 1926 – January 18, 2019
at the age of 92 years

Celebration of Life will be held on April 12 at 1:30 pm at Shuswap Lake Estates Community Center.

Irene Dell Barker peacefully passed away on January 18 at Shuswap Lake General Hospital with her loving family by her side, just 3 weeks before her 93rd birthday.
Irene was born on a farm in the Bavelaw District near Spy Hill in eastern Saskatchewan, on February 10, 1926. Following school she moved into town and on June 17, 1947, married Jack Barker who had attended the same country school and had just returned home from serving in the RCAF overseas.They raised their seven children and were business partners, first in Spy Hill and later in Blind Bay.  In 1971 Jack and Irene moved with their family to the Shuswap area and together they built the community of Shuswap Lake Estates.
Irene is predeceased by an infant daughter Gail Louise, October 10 – December 4, 1949, her parents Alice (Nellie) and George Firth, her brother Doug and her sister Phyllis.
She will be forever remembered by her husband Jack of over 71 years; her son Terry (Lois), her 6 daughters Linda (Harvey Filson), Darlene (John Guilbeault), Debbie (Erik Hansen), Brenda, Wendy (Burke Lipsett), Pat (Mark Kulak), 20 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. She leaves behind an amazing legacy of 55 descendants.
Mom was loved by all who knew her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She lived a full life, traveling around the world with Jack. She loved to golf here at home and at their home in Sun Lakes, Arizona in the winter. Jack and Irene hosted 29 Shuswap Lake Estates Golf tournaments in Sun Lakes. Mom was a great host, for family, friends and the community. Mom was always game to try new things. She loved to dance, knit, play bridge and later in life Mexican train.
The family would like to thank Dr. Plessis for her compassion and care during Mom’s struggle with dementia.
We also thank the care aides who helped provide 24/7 care for Mom at home during the past year, the nursing staff for the excellent care of Mom during her 10 day stay in the hospital and for their patience in accommodating our large family coming and going on the 4th floor.
Thank you to Vince and Tammy Fischer at Fischer’s Funeral Services for their prompt and thoughtful arrangements.
A special thank you to Pastor Reuben Pauls of the River of Life Community Church for visiting Mom in the hospital and for providing closure for the family with just the right words and prayers at the funeral home.
Irene touched many lives! A Celebration of Life will be held on April 12 at 1:30 pm at Shuswap Lake Estates Community Center.