April 13, 1931 – July 4, 2022
at the age of 91 years:
A private graveside service will be held for the family. All are invited to Irene’s funeral on Monday, July 11, 2022, 2:30pm at the Salmon Arm Recreation Center, 2600 10th Ave North East, Salmon Arm followed by fellowship and refreshments at the same venue.
In loving memory of
Irene Mary McNary (LeRose) who passed away at Piccadilly Park Place in Salmon Arm on Monday, 4 July 2022, aged 91. Irene leaves behind Bill, her loving husband of 69 years. Mother of Joyce (Roger Tregear), Brian (Chris), Warren (LenaMarie), and Wayne (Anita). Grandmother of seven, great grandmother of nine, and great great grandmother of four. Daughter of Rosario and Concetta late of Trail, BC. Irene was the third of four children, Vera, Leonard (deceased), and Elaine.
Irene wrote most of this herself – we have just filled in a few gaps where the story was incomplete.
I was born on April 13, 1931, in the smoky city of Trail, BC. My parents were both born in a tiny village in Southern Italy, and each had emigrated to Canada at a young age. I was the third child in our family: Vera, Leonard (deceased) and Elaine.
I took all my schooling in Trail, graduating in 1949 and then took one year’s teachers’ training at Victoria Normal School. September 1950 found me in the cascade Mountains in a country school. Sheep Creek was a sawmill community and I had 11 students, Grades 1 to 8. From there I went to Paxton Valley in the Kamloops School District to another small group of students. During that time, I met Bill and his brother and family who were logging in the area.
We married in April 1953 and lived at the McNary ranch in Skimikin while I taught part of the year in the Turtle Valley School. We moved to Alberta for a short time in 1954 before moving back to Chase and then Salmon Arm in 1955.
In 1956 I attended a few Gospel Meetings in Armstrong with Jack Price and Warren Wainwright. I chose to become one of God’s Children in His wonderful family. I have never regretted this choice and hope my choice would inspire others. I found out later that I had gone to school both in Trail and Normal School with others who were also part of His family. I also had a favourite teacher who was of the same faith.
For many years Granny and Grandad McNary were living in the same yard as us and I was learning all kinds of handy things and I’m grateful for those teachings.
In 1966 we became dairy farmers. We moved to Silver Creek in 1970 where we built a feed lot and meat business. When the meat plant burned, we moved into Salmon Arm for a few years and worked as railway salvage contractors before we “retired” to White Lake for 10 years and then back into town to be closer to medical support should it become necessary.
We did a lot of travel when we were able – some for work and some for leisure. There was always lots of laughter, company, food, fishing, and camping in the Motorhome.
If Irene was here, I think she would say, “Overall it’s been a good life. There have been some difficult times, for sure, but overall, a great life in a wonderful family.”
I sure miss serving Irene, was so lovely to see Bill bring her to his place. I remember a day, when I told Irene, I loved her dress. She told me, I cannot wear her dress. I think I repeated, and she said, I could not wear that dress.
She is greatly missed by all that new her. She will always be near u.
Cindy
My condolences to you Bill and your family.
I hope you will find comfort knowing Irene will be smiling down upon you with joy. She was a wonderful person. Take care Bill and we hope to see you at the lake.
Laurel and John
It meant a lot to me when I was around 19 years old and was with a group of my friends from the coast and she invited us to come for supper. So hospitable. Enjoyed all our visits thru the years. She was so faithful in writing to my mom over the years too. Truly a very faithful mother of Israel. Condolences to all the family.
So sorry for the family’s loss. Irene was a great matriarch of the McNary Clan.
I am not surprised to see that Irene had written “the story of her life” . My mother Elaine has done the same thing. Many notebooks filled with writings of her childhood, her history and her journey through life.
Elaine wrote about how close she was to her older sister. Despite their age difference Irene was never afraid to take her along during outings with friends. She was a great role model for my mother and guided her during their mother’s illness when Elaine was very young.
They remained close throughout their lives and I remember many visits to the McNary’s farm on the way to Trail every summer. Later, there were fishing trips to China creek, 50th wedding anniversaries and a lot of sharing of grandchildren’s pictures which were happily displayed all over the fridge.
Unfortunately, I am currently in California so will not be able to make it to the family celebration. I know there will be sharings of many happy memories as you honor my Aunty Irene and the great life she had here on earth.
Leanne (Shirley) Adkin
Bill and Family! I was so very sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. It was so nice connecting up with you both at Piccadilly Care Centre while Brenda was there. We had many stories to share while being neighbours at Orchard Terrace. We go way back to when you boarded horses on my Dad’s farm on the Canoe straight stretch. I know Irene will be missed very much. She was a special lady. Take good care, Bill.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.