LAWRYSHYN, Iraida (Irene) - It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Irene on September 15, 2021.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years Jaroslaw (Jerry), son Yuri, his wife Jody and their children Lexy and Cole.
Irene’s brother, Lon Pencak, passed away in May, 2019, who is survived by his wife, Nusia (Mary Anna) Pencak.
Irene, as a child, fled her native Ukraine during WWII with her family. Then they made their way to Canada. Irene attended Bloor Collegiate and then the University of Toronto on a full scholarship where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959. Thereafter, Irene completed Teachers’ College receiving her Teaching Certificate from the Ontario College of Education in 1960.
She taught French at a number of secondary schools in Toronto. Then in 1964-65 she studied at the University of Grenoble in France. Upon her return to Toronto, she taught French at Scarlet Heights CI, West Humber CI and Richview CI until her retirement in 1994. As a teacher, Irene coached volleyball, helped with school musical productions and ran a number of student clubs.
Irene has been a long standing member of PLAST, a Ukrainian youth organization, where her activities included being a counsellor, member of the executive branch in Toronto, committee member organizing events, treasurer at the notational executive level and representative to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Toronto Branch. Irene and Jerry married in 1965 and lived in Toronto for most of their lives.
Irene was an avid Bridge player, enjoyed travel and was a voracious reader. She helped local political campaigns and continued taking many adult learning classes at U of T. Irene was an outgoing, loving person and she will be deeply missed by friends and family.
An online service streamed from the Newediuk funeral home will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, September 20th followed by a socially distanced burial service 1:00 pm at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery, 1280 Dundas St West, Oakville.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Irene Lawryshyn to St. Vladimir Institute at https://www.stvladimir.ca/donate-checkout or to Sunnybrook Hospital at https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute (under designation, select Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program) would be appreciated by the family.
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