Irene (Brooks) Quaale

It is with deep sadness that the family of Irene Quaale, formerly Brooks, announces her passing on May 1st, 2019 in Regina, at the age of 87. She was born Irene Roseanne, first daughter to Geza and Mary Lorincz, September 30, 1931 on her grandparents’ farm near Cupar, Saskatchewan. She had an idyllic childhood, living on the family homestead at Crooked River before the family moved to Regina where she attended St. Augustine and Balfour Collegiate. As a young woman, she fell under the spell of a handsome artist, Vern Brooks, marrying in 1951. To say they travelled through life together would be an understatement: Vern’s dreams took him, Irene, and eventually their 7 children all over Canada, eventually settling in La Ronge, Saskatchewan in 1973. It was there that Irene helped him start the newspaper, The Northerner, always at his side in life’s adventures. During most of her adult life, besides raising children, Irene worked as a secretary in government. Vern passed away in 1985 and she retired in La Ronge. In 1988, she met Gordon Quaale and they moved to Gabriola Island, BC, where they married in 1989 and built a home together, Irene swinging a hammer with the best of them. Irene and “Grandpa Gordon” resided on Gabriola for 15 years until Gordon’s passing. Irene stayed in BC, moving to Victoria for a few years and returning to Gabriola for a short while. In the spring of 2012, she decided to return to La Ronge where she spent the next 5 1/2 years, playing Scrabble, doing crosswords, and making borscht. Irene met her diagnosis of Alzheimers’ in 2013 with gradual acceptance, determined to travel and live independently for as long as possible. In the fall of 2017, the family encouraged her to move to Regina, into assisted living, where she enjoyed family visits, Scrabble, games on her Ipad, movie nights, and ice-cream socials. On April 24, 2019 Irene suffered a stroke and passed away peacefully one week later, with family members at her side.

Irene was predeceased by her parents, her first husband Vern, sister Helen, brother Joe, her second husband Gordon, grandson Jason, and a number of dear brothers and sisters-in-law. She is lovingly remembered by her sisters Marj, Kathy, and Pat and brothers Ben and Ralph, as well as her children Randy Brooks (Sharon), Rod Brooks (Valerie), Kim Christiansen (Scott), Karen Robertson (Scott), Richard (Susan), Kandyce (Derek), and Robert (Andrea). She will be missed by her grandchildren Ryan (Amanda), Lonn (Delee), Mackenzie (Randy), Erik (Melissa), Kyllo, Jordan, Keaton (Rohini), Alexandra (Eric), David, Jayne, Jack (Cassandra), Jeremy, Angus, Braiden, Sarah, Katelyn, Joshua, and Raylene, as well as 15 great-grandchildren, and many other dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at College Park II, and the doctors, nurses, and others who provided care at the Regina General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimers’ Society of Canada. A celebration of Irene’s life will take place at a later 

• Date : 2019-05-01
• Location : Regina, SK