MRS. IRENE KOLESAR of Milk River, beloved wife of the late Mr. Louis Kolesar, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at the age of 86 years.

Irene was born on April 26, 1921 in Kipling, SK. She moved to Alberta in 1940 where she met Louis Kolesar. Irene and Louis were married on February 2, 1941. They farmed in the Warner area before moving to Aden in the fall of 1945. Irene was an active participant in the farm as well as raising chickens and turkeys and growing a huge garden. Irene loved to entertain friends and family who appreciated her wonderful cooking. There was always a warm welcome and food for an unexpected visitor. Irene and Louis enjoyed travel and her sense of humor and generosity gained them many friends.

Irene is survived by her children Edmund (Shirley) Kolesar, Sandra Wilson (Noel Doherty) and Brenda (Matthew) Van Gaalen; grandchildren Ward (Cathy) Kolesar, Kelly (Dave) Mankow, Jody (Dave) Stark, Bryce, Skylar and Lance Van Gaalen; great-grandchildren Alana, Jayden, Brad, Niki, Megan, Ryan, Emily, Rachel and Jamie; sister Ida Kish of Kipling, SK; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her beloved husband Louis, Irene was predeceased by 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 1:00pm to 1:45pm on Friday, November 16, 2007 followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00pm at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Main Street North, Milk River, AB.

In Irene's memory memorial donations may be made to the Milk River Hospital Long Term Care, Box 990, Milk River, AB T0K 1M0.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Irene during the past 5 years.