MRS. IRENE MARIE LOUISE BIANCHINI of Lethbridge beloved wife of Aldo Bianchini, passed away at St. Michael's Palliative Care Centre after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, April 4, 2008 at the age of 72 years.

Irene was born with her twin brother Rene in Ponteix, SK on August 12, 1935 to Alice and Philias Briere. After completing high school in Ponteix, she attended Saskatchewan Teachers' College. She began her teaching career teaching 40+ grade one students in Regina. Then she was lured to Alberta by employment to Picture Butte where she met a fellow teacher, Aldo. They were married on October 7, 1961. She loved children, especially her 4 children and 7 grandchildren. She put the needs of her family and friends before her own right up until the time of her passing. She had her last wish fulfilled by having all of her family with her before she passed away.

Besides her loving husband Aldo, Irene is survived by her 3 daughters Lynn Wocknitz (Allen), Lori Van Os (Adrian), Jeanne Bianchini; son John Bianchini (Heather); grandchildren Jesse Wocknitz, Elise Wocknitz, Tyler Van Os, Brett Van Os, Jason Bianchini, Ryan Bianchini and Amy Bianchini; sister Jeanne Briere; brothers Paul (Helene) Briere, Maurice Briere and Rene Briere; sisters-in-law Claire Lafontaine, Linda Bianchini; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was predeceased by her parents Philias and Alice; infant brother Maurice; sister Lucille Briere Reid; brothers-in-law Armido Bianchini, Gino Bianchini, Bryan Reid and sister-in-law Shirley Bianchini.

A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 7, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th St. S., Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 318-10th St. S., Lethbridge, AB, with Father Tim Boyle, celebrant. Interment to take place in Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Irene's memory to the Missionary White Father's of Winnipeg, Attn: Rev. Fr. Roland Dubourt (Missionary), P.O. Box 23, 228 Hamel Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 3B4 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 207, 542-7th St. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2H1.