Irene Blain
Passed Away March 16, 2021
It is with deep sadness that the family of Irene Blain announce her unexpected passing on March 16, 2021 at the age of 67.
Predeceased by her parents and sister Marion, Irene will be sadly missed by Paul, her husband of 44 years, sister Shirley as well as numerous extended family and close friends.
Irene was a passionate and dedicated community leader and served as Civics Director and President of the West Jasper Sherwood Community League.
She was a very dear friend and I miss her very much.
Paul, please accept our condolences. We had the pleasure of getting to know Irene when working on a variety of Community affecting projects in West Edmonton, She was intelligent, well informed and a force to be reckoned with! We admired her and will miss her. Joyce & June Keller
Irene was such a amazing person, kind, sweet, and so smart. I will miss her dearly. Her beautiuful laugh and her kind and supportive words. Rest In peace Irene. You were very loved and will be missed very much.
Irene was incredibly dedicated to serving others in her community. Her passion for helping others was inspiring and she will be greatly missed. To all of Irene’s family and friends, please accept my condolences.
I will miss this lovely and lively lady and my heart goes out to Paul over the loss of his wife and long time companion. Irene you will be missed.
Irene taught me a lot and I was always inspired by her knowledge and passion. My condolences to her family and friends.
Irene was a champion for community and for civic engagement. She was a force of intelligence and passion. She treated me with kindness and warmth at each of our encounters. My deepest condolences to you Paul and family. Rest in peace Irene.
Irene was very conscientious to serving her community and shared her extensive knowledge of the history of the neighbourhood and broader area. Please accept our condolences and best wishes for her family and friends.
Irene was amazing woman with a bundle of energy. She had passion for gardening as well as her community. Her stories about her childhood in West Jasper Place were a delight to listen to. May memories of her sustain us all during this time. Paul you are still surrounded by her love.
Irene, we will miss you. We will miss your amazing passion for our community. I simply cannot believe you are gone- I guess they needed some community cared for upstairs. I was working out of town and when I came back I emailed you about a Northern Harrier in our yard, then Paul stopped by and told me the bad news.
I don’t know how any one person will ever replace you or what you did so tirelessly.
You were a blessing to WJP.
The smile and wave you always gave us from your little red Toyota every time you guys passed us in the neighborhood was a big part of our WJP community spirit.
Paul, words cannot convey the sadness we have for your loss. Please let me know if you need anything.
I had the chance to talk with Irene a number of times about neighborhood changes a few years ago. She was very passionate about her community, and I truly appreciated the effort and attention to detail she put into her position. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Around thirty-five years ago I met Irene and Paul as part of Paul’s involvement in The Uncles at Large Program. My son and I had just moved here. I worked long hours and my son’s father was several hours away so he didn’t see him that often. Although my son was ambivalent about having an “Uncle” Paul won him over by having him help with his hovercraft. Irene made him feel welcome too. They both provided strong roots needed by the community and its individuals. What we continue to need to help young communities mature into caring ones.
Irene will be greatly missed.
I got to know Irene and her soulmate, Paul, when I worked with the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. Irene frequently presented wise recommendations to City Council along with other community league leaders. She had an influence on the whole City. I will never forget Irene’s constant smile, her wit, wisdom and abundance of energy to care for her community and others. Edmonton is a better place because Irene touched our lives. She will not be forgotten. My condolences to Paul and the WJP community.
Irene had such passion for her community and worked tirelessly for her neighbours. As a City staff member, she kept me on my toes in the best way possible with her keen analysis and attention to detail. Irene was unfailingly kind and will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family and loved ones.
Irene will be terribly missed by our community. Our deepest condolences.
Irene and I have worked together for two decades. I appreciated her passion and tenacity to make Edmonton a better City. My deepest condolences for the family and loved ones. And Thank-you Irene for caring and making a difference to this beautiful city!!!!
Irene was very dedicated to her community and standing up for what she believed in. Her passion was undeniably and commitment to follow through admirable. It was a pleasure knowing her. She will be missed.