Mrs. Irene McKenna of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Thomas “Myles” McKenna, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Irene was born on March 15, 1938, in Belfast, Ireland. She was the sixth of seven children born to Jean and Bernard Madden. Irene attended an all-girls school, and she often told us stories about making deliveries on her bicycle for her uncle Paddy’s butcher shop after school. After finishing school, Irene worked as a seamstress.

She met Myles on her lunch break one day as he was peeking over the school yard wall, thus beginning a loving relationship lasting more than 56 years. Irene and Myles immigrated with their sons in 1974 to Lethbridge. Irene found employment at St. Michael’s Hospital where she eventually retired. In retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family and working in her garden. She was always happy to go on a day trip to Waterton and loved travelling back to Belfast to see her family.    

Irene is survived by her 3 sons Myles (Annette) and their children Aaron & Briana (Andrew); Michael (Angie) and their children Sean, Kyle (Madie); and Mario (Yuki); 1 sister Clare Murphy of Belfast, Ireland; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Besides her husband Myles, Irene was predeceased by her parents Jean and Bernard Madden; five brothers John, Oliver, Desmond, Pat and Brian, all from Belfast Ireland.

Family and Friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta,

A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVEIW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 am, on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604-13 STREET NORTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant.

Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta, 10430-61 Avenue NW, #306, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 2J3.