Obituary of Irene Hippe

Irene Mayme Emily Hippe May 5, 1922 - May 16, 2008 Irene passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2008, 11 days after her 86th birthday. Mom was born outside Leduc, AB, on her parent's farm. She was one of 12 children born to the Yonkers' family. Mom came to Lloydminster in 1947, to work. Shortly after, she met our Dad, Gus, at a dance at the Blackfoot Hall. They were married in 1949. Mom resided in Lloydminster since then. She was predeceased by Gus, in 1992, after 43 years of marriage. It is fitting to write a tribute of a person who loved life so much, and lived every day to the fullest, always willing to help others. Mom had 4 children, always kept the home for us, perfect to every detail. She loved to cook and bake. Her recipes are so cherished. Mom enjoyed every season of the year. Mom enjoyed the flowers and her garden, and always had lots of perserves for the winter. Mom & Dad raised a family of four growing children, going every which way. Our family vacations to Expo in Quebec and the Christmas in California meant so much to us. In later years, Mom & Dad took winter vacations without us, they traveled to Mexico, Hawaii and Las Vegas. Christmas was a very special holiday for Mom each year, whether in earlier years, it was the the 6 of us, and then later, each year, there were other additions to the family, the more, the better. Mom leaves behind a great legacy of family and friends. Mom's main focus in her life was family. The grandchildren were especially important to her. Mom's love for life will be carried on through her children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. Her 6 grandsons were the active Pallbearers. Service to others was also important for Mom. She was a loyal member of the Legion, the Royal Purple, having 50 years of perfect attendance, the Lloydminter Minstriels and the Red Hats. Many life-long friendships were made through these organizations. Mom would have been proud of the people who were at her funeral, representing these groups, that meant so much to her. Grace United Church was a large part of Mom's life. She led a spiritual life and enjoyed attending Sunday services. She especially loved singing and hymns. It was at her request, that the Church choir sing a couple of her favorite hymns during the service. Mom was close to Joyce Carson, the United Church Minister, and asked that the family to make sure that Joyce would preside at the service. Mom was a faithfuly visitor to hospitals and lodges. She always loved and was drawn to people with challenges. She went out of her way to include them in her life through sending card, offering her time and her friendship. Until about 7 months ago, Mom lived on her own at Padua Place. She made many friends there and enjoyed socializing with them. She drove her own car, and ran errands by herself. She enjoyed water aerobics twice a week. Quite an accomplishment, that we can all aim for when we're at that age. Mom maintained a youthful attitude to the end. Mom's attitude was there are no strangers in life, just friends you haven't met yet. She was a remarkable woman who gave to others so willingly. She will be missed greatly and in our hearts forever. Gladys, Ted & Kyle Willmer Dar, Calvin & Jesse Kozicky Lana & Dan Gojmerac Ian, Ruby & Mylee Kozicky Neil Kozicky & Lindsay Henkelman Ken, Deb, Amanda & Jared Hippe Val, Ron, Cassie & Tyson Ruhl Donations in memory of Irene may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.