Irene Alger

Each life is not just a journey through time, but a sacred journey.
-Frederick Buechner

On Thursday, June 28, 2012, Irene Josephine Alger (née Carrico), aged 94 years, completed her pilgrimage to her heavenly home. She passed peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Irene was born on October 2, 1917, in Stettler, Alberta, the fourth of six children to James Wesley Carrico and Susan Ellen Hays. The family later moved to Carstairs, Alberta, where Irene completed Grade 12. Following high school she attended Calgary Normal School for one year, obtaining her teaching certificate. In 1942, after teaching three years in a country school, Irene made a decision to leave teaching and enrolled in a business course at Calgary Business College. Shortly following graduation from college, she met the love of her life, Flight Lieutenant Bruce Alger. In May, 1944 Irene left on her own war-time adventure to Washington, DC, where she secured a job with the Australian embassy. After the war, she and Bruce were married at St. Mary's Cathedral on September 14, 1946. Bruce became one of the founding partners of Western Metal Fabricators in Lethbridge, and Irene began 66 years of caring for her family and serving her church and community. While raising her family, Irene volunteered with numerous organizations including St. Michael's Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Lethbridge and District Big Brothers, Catholic Family Services, Canadian Mental Health Association and Alberta Tuberculosis Association. She also sang in Assumption Church choir for many years and received her 60 year pin with the Catholic Women's League. Mom was a meticulous housekeeper, a wonderful cook and a gracious hostess, but most of all she was our sweet loving mom. Together with Dad, she made our home a haven of hospitality, warmth, beauty, and love.

Thank you Mom for the faith you passed on to us, the cookie jar that was always full, the sheets that were always ironed, the floors that gleamed, the furniture that shone, the faith you passed on, the lighter-than-air chiffon cakes, and the desserts with every lunch and dinner. Even after Dad's passing in 1994, you continued to cook, entertain and contribute to charities. You took such pride and joy in your wide extended family and always gifted us generously at Christmas and birthdays. Though afflicted with many health issues, especially in the last five months, you continued to ""get up, dress up and show up"", always presenting yourself beautifully dressed with makeup and lipstick by 8 AM. We know that your lovely appearance, sparkling brown eyes and warm smile lifted the spirits of others around you.

Irene is survived by her daughter Susan (John) Duckett of Calgary, and two sons, Grant (Denise) Alger, and Douglas (Susan) Alger both of Lethbridge; ten grandchildren, James (Louisa), Carlye, Erika (Lanny), Matthew, Clare, Megan, Ryan (Kristin), Lani (Mitchell), Nicholas, and Sophia; five great grandchildren, Kaili, Madelyn, Timmy, Aiden and Brandon; her brother Martin Carrico of Calgary; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Prayer Vigil will be held on Wednesday July 4, 2012 at 7:00PM in the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610- 4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday July 5, 2012 at 11:00AM in OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12 Ave South, Lethbridge, AB, with Father Fernando Genogaling, officiating. Cremation will follow the service, with a private family interment to follow on Friday July 6, 2012 in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Mom gave generously to so many causes and has asked that those who wish to do so make a memorial donation to their favorite charity.

But, oh for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is still.
-Alfred Lord Tennyson