MRS. IRENE RUNQUIST of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Alfred Runquist, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, July 31, 2009, at the age of 94 years.

She is survived by her son Donald (Karren) of Lethbridge, and grandchildren, Chad (Karen) Runquist of Magrath, Tyler (Cathy) Runquist of Raymond, JB Runquist of Lethbridge, Adam (Lara) Runquist of Saskatoon, SK and Jill (Alexi) Vera of Lethbridge. She will also be sadly missed by her daughter-in-law Karen Donahue of Calgary, grandson Scott Runquist of Calgary, sisters Pat (Allan) Harrison of Saskatoon, SK, Robert (Lorene) Harrison of Coaldale, Richard Harrison of Victoria, BC, and Murray (Merle) Harrison of Saskatoon, SK, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her loving husband Alfred, her son James, her parents Cecil and Elizabeth Harrison, sisters Gwen (Cecil) Adams of Calgary, Vera (Roscoe) Roberts of Winnipeg, MB, and brothers Frederick, and Gordon (Eileen) Harrison of Winnipeg, MB.

Irene was born November 30th, 1914 at Herbert, Saskatchewan. On December 15th, 1938, she married Alfred Newton Runquist at Waldeck, Saskatchewan. She taught Sunday School in Consul, Saskatchewan where she was also a member of the Saskatchewan Homemakers Club and for a time, secretary-treasurer of the Southland Credit Union. Along with her husband, she assisted in the establishing of the first United Church building in Consul. After moving to Lethbridge with her husband and two sons in 1958, she worked for several years on the Dietary Staff of the Municipal Hospital. She enjoyed camping with her family and liked to sew, knit, crochet and especially liked doing petit point work.

Irene was a wonderful, kind and caring person. She was always concerned for others, and would remember every birthday and special occasion with a card or a phone call. She spent countless hours recording her family history for her family. She will be remembered for her homemade cards, her milk cartons of chocolate chip cookies, and for her willingness to think of others before herself. She will be sadly missed by all.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 9:00am and 10:00am, on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at the MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 St., S., Lethbridge, AB.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am, on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at the MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 St., S., Lethbridge, Alberta.