Irene (Dryden) Lilja

Irene passed away peacefully at the Ponoka Long Term Care Center. She leaves behind her son Russell (Crissy) and step daughter, Debbie (Albert). She also leaves behind the joy of her life, her granddaughter, Abigail.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Ken, parents Lawrence and Edith, brother Lawrence and in-laws Laurie and Signe.

Irene was born in Hull , England and came to Canada at the age of 25. Always quick to make lifelong friends everywhere she went, she was known for her quick wit and sense of humour. Irene will be remembered for being a wonderful wife, mother and Grandmother. A tremendous cook, meticulous homemaker and a force to be reckoned with when it came to playing crib. Many an afternoon was spent playing crib with the people she loved especially her best friend Joyce Buzzard. Irene was a devoted animal lover and her family recalls how several of the dogs in town used to come to the Lilja household frequently because of the warm hospitality showered upon them. The animal visitors that came to say hello to the residents at the long term care centre were welcomed by her and when she wasn’t fussing over an animal she was reading about them.

Irene’s family is especially grateful for the loving care given to her by the staff of the Ponoka Longterm care centre.

Donations in Irene’s memory can be made to the Ponoka Long Term Care Centre or to the Alberta SPCA.

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