Obituary of Irene Cameron

IRENE CAMERON

We celebrate the life of Irene, our beloved mother and grandmother, who passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

Irene was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1940, daughter of loving parents, Arthur and Mary. Always a story teller, Irene loved to share tales of her childhood adventures in Scotland, and of family life with sisters Ina and Grace, and brothers Alan and Norman.

While visiting her sister Ina in Toronto, Canada in 1960, Irene met the love of her life, Leslie Cameron. Married in 1962, they soon started a family: daughters Jane, Anna and Catherine, and son, Ewan. Through moves to Montreal and back to Toronto, life was busy but rich with love and laughter.

Irene had a deep love of learning, and by taking evening courses while raising her four children, she received her BA in English Literature from York University in 1982. Irene received her Master of Library Science from the University of Toronto in 1984, and the following year was delighted to put her skills to use in establishing the medical library at the newly opened Scarborough Grace Hospital.

Irene had such passion for poetry, music, writing and reading. She had a song for almost any occasion, and was known to recite favourite poems whenever inspired. She enjoyed walks in nature, visits back to Scotland, travels in Europe, and visits and adventures with her children and their families. Irene had a great love for all of her grandchildren, and delighted in watching each find their passions and develop their talents.

Irene and Leslie were best friends through their years together. Strolling hand in hand and dancing on beaches, they found joy in each other’s company. When Leslie became ill in 1999, Irene gave great love and constant care to him in his final year.

Gracious and cheerful, caring and considerate, Irene loved conversations with all of her family, including her many nieces and nephews and their families. She enjoyed chatting with strangers and learning about the life and stories of everyone she met.

Irene will be missed and forever loved by her children, Jane, Anna (Paul), Catherine (Brian), and Ewan (Julia), and by her adoring grandchildren, Madeline, Sophie, Noah, Andrew, Emma, Claire and Shea. She will be fondly remembered by her brothers, sisters-in-law, and her entire extended family. 

A service celebrating the life of Irene Cameron will be held online in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made in Irene’s name to the Daily Bread Food Bank or the Scott Mission. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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