The Endicott family is saddened to announce the peaceful passing of their beloved mother/nan, Irene, on August 12, 2022 with family members by her side.
Born in Birmingham, England on October 17, 1930 to Florence and Leonard Sydenham, Irene was the eldest of 5 siblings. She completed her schooling in England before embarking on various jobs in the service industry. Irene married Victor in 1952 and began their life together in the Birmingham area. There, they had the first of their 6 children: Anthony, Carol and David. In 1956 the family decided to move to Canada amidst the labour unrest in England. Vic went first, followed by Irene and the 3 eldest in 1957. They first moved to northern Quebec where Vic worked in the mining industry. Irene was a stay at home mom who did a lot of volunteer work for the United Church, baking and collecting items for those in need, especially Portuguese immigrants. The 3 youngest Endicott children: Clive, Debbie and Derek were born in Quebec. Irene ended up taking the children back to England for a year where they lived with Irene’s mom because the northern Quebec air wasn’t good for the youngest. They came back to Quebec where they lived until 1973 when the French/English conflicts caused them to move West. The family moved to Sparwood when Vic got a job with Kaiser Resources, then to Elkford when they both had jobs with Fording River. Irene was a dispatcher with Fording. In 1975, they bought the Oasis restaurant in Pincher Creek so the Endicotts with the younger children moved to Pincher Creek. During their time in Pincher Creek, they owned 3 restaurants and they worked very hard! Irene knew all her customers by their first names. They lived there until 1992 when they took over the restaurant at the golf course in Elkford and named it Buddy Buddies. Irene moved to Sparwood in 1999 where she lived until Covid hit. She then moved to Elkford where she lived with her daughter, Carol until her passing. Carol and Debbie took very good care of mom and for that the family is eternally grateful. Irene loved to play Bingo and couldn’t wait for Bingo nights when her and Carol would go to Fernie with their Bingo Buddies. She was an avid Lotto player, always hoping for the big win! But was happy when she won a free ticket!
Irene was a hard worker and could often be seen in the mall with her knitting and crocheting for sale. If not there, she would be at the Curling Club volunteer bartending for her curling family. The pub there is lovingly named “Mum’s Pub” after her. She was proud of her work there and could often be heard telling people that she still worked until the young age of 89.
Irene was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would tell everyone she met how many of each she had and when a new baby was born. She loved when they came for a visit. They will all miss her dearly. She was always good when asked, even up to the end. She never complained.
Irene is predeceased by her parents, her siblings and their spouses, her husband Victor, her sons Clive and Anthony, her son-in law Rick and her great-grandsons, Devon and Austin. She is survived by her children Carol, David (Barbara), Debbie (Tony) and Derek (Jewel). Also by her 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
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