Obituary of Irene Graham
Irene Graham passed away on January 6, 2024, at the age of 97 years.
Irene Margaret Tufts was born on April 15, 1926, to James and Violet Tufts of Fairfax, Manitoba. Irene was the 8th of 10 children, having 6 brothers and 3 sisters. Irene married Harvey Graham of Minto, Manitoba on June 15, 1946. Harvey and Irene were blessed with two children, Roger and Wendy. Harvey and Irene lived in the R.M. of Whitewater at the Graham homestead from 1946 to 1980, where they raised their children and opened their home to many visiting nieces, nephews, cousins, etc, who all speak very fondly of their time “at the farm”. Harvey and Irene were the 3rd Graham generation to live and farm there. In 1979 they build a house “in town” and lived in Minto for the next 20 years. Irene took great pride in her yard and garden which was evident in its perennial immaculate state. In 1999, Irene moved to Brandon where she made many new friendships at Lions Manor. In 2019, Irene moved to Westview Lodge in Boissevain, Manitoba, where she remained until her death in January.
As a young girl, Irene taught herself to play the piano, and later mastered the organ. She loved to play, and passed that love on to her four granddaughters, having taught them all to play as well.
Irene was a fantastic artist, having created many ceramic pieces, then later oil paintings and pencil sketches. Irene’s paintings grace the walls of many homes in and around the Minto area.
Harvey and Irene were both involved in the Minto Foresters, the Turtle Mountain Flywheel Club, and the Minto Cemetery.
Irene loved being at the lake and had a seasonal spot in Killarney for several years. She enjoyed the company of her fellow campers and having friends and family over.
Irene is survived by her daughter Wendy, son Roger, daughter-in-law Jo-Anne, and her four granddaughters, Valerie, Lisa (Jason), Tannis (Shawn) and Susan (Marty), her 10 great grandchildren, Jillian (Andrew), Jaden, Carson (Lexi), Matthew, David, Daniel, Katelyn, Brody, Jesse and Madison and one great, great grandchild, Cade. Irene is also survived by her younger brother, Keith.
Irene was predeceased in death by an infant son, Guy Robert, her husband Harvey, her parents, and all but one of her 9 brothers & sisters.
A private family service in loving memory of Irene was held Thursday, January 11, 2024.
In lieu of cards or flowers, donations in memory of Irene can be made to Westview Lodge, P.O. Box 899, Boissevain, Manitoba, R0K 0E0.
