With heavy hearts, but with joyful memories, we announce the passing of our mother, Irene Kathleen Marchand, on December 31, 2009 at Hillcrest Village, Midland, with her family at her side. Born in Midland in 1909, she grew up on a farm in Vespra Township near Anten Mills. She was a graduate of Barrie Collegiate Institute and Toronto Normal School. She taught in Snug Harbour, Penetanguishene and Richmond Hill, retiring in 1968. She was an active member of her professional organizations, serving as president of O.E.C.T.A. (District 20) and the council for Exceptional Children. Upon retirement, she maintained a close relationship with her former colleagues by serving on the executives of S.T.O. (R.T.O.) and O.A.S.W.T. at the local and district levels. Irene was a charter member of the Midland Lawn Bowling Club. She also belonged to the C.W.L., Midland Horticultural Society, and was a volunteer worker with the Midland Red Cross Society. She was a warm, caring, energetic woman who enjoyed socializing and entertaining, always making everyone feel welcome in her home. Irene loved Canadian politics and was a fierce advocate for English language rights. She was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and was always ready to embrace new ideas, crafts and technology. She enjoyed summers at their cottage at Ossosane Beach, gardening, quilting and oil painting. Irene was a very spiritual person whose quiet strength and love of family was always evident, especially with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles & Violet (Bray) Kavanagh, her husband, Stanley (Johnny), her son Charles and her brother Frank Kavanagh. She is survived by her daughters, Shirley (Bill) Harris and Adrienne (George) Dunn, her daughter-in-law Joyce Marchand, her grandchildren, Michael Harris, Stephen and Jeffrey Dunn, Jennifer Rever, Rob and Andy Marchand and 12 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday January 5, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Margaret’s Church, Midland, with interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Barrie. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the J.H., Lynn Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes, 290 First St., Midland, (705) 526-6551. Special thanks too the dedicated staff at Hillcrest Village for the exemplary care Irene received. Their personalized care and professionalism was evident throughout her long stay.