KLASSEN (nee Epp), Irene Helen
Aug 12, 1924 – Jan 02, 2023
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Helen (Epp) Klassen on Monday, January 2, 2023 at the age of 98. She is with her Lord and Saviour and enjoying being in His presence forever. Irene lived a very full life and was active up until three weeks before her passing. She will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Ruth Griffeth, Blanc Star (nee JoAnne), Richard (Sandee), and Robert (Kathryn); six grandchildren, Keri (Derek), Steven (Jen), Emily (Mark), Romie (Ben), Andrea (Nigel), and Kevin; and three great grandchildren, Noah, Olivia, and Madison; and brother Paul (Betsy) as well as extended family and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Gerald and Theodore and sister, Louise. Her husband, John, of 66 years passed away in 2016 as well as her grandson, Keith Griffeth, in 1994 and her son-in-law, James Griffeth, in 2021.
Irene was born in Woolrich, Waterloo County, ON a month after her parents, David and Katherine Epp, immigrated to Canada. In the spring of 1925, the young family, along with other relatives, moved to Girvin, SK and purchased a farm. David and Katherine were not farmers and struggled with the challenges of making a living for their family during the Depression. The family moved to the Naco/Sedalia, AB area in 1930 and farmed there until 1947 when they moved to Carstairs, AB for a brief period and then to Calgary, AB.
Irene took nursing training at the Calgary General Hospital graduating as an RN in 1949. She worked for a short time at the hospital in Cereal, AB. She met John Klassen through the youth group at Scarboro Mennonite Church and they were married in June, 1950. They made their home in Calgary and raised four children.
Mom loved to sing and participated in church choirs and the Calgary Choral Society. When a respiratory illness took away her ability to sing, she channeled her creative energy into writing, photography, handiwork, and painting. She was a reporter/correspondent for church publications for many years, thoroughly enjoying the opportunity it gave her to interview interesting people and hear their stories. She wrote and published a number of books including a biography, historical family accounts, and poetry. She loved books and was a voracious reader. When not reading, her hands were always busy with knitting or crocheting useful items for family and friends. She generated many colourful knitted baby blankets that she donated to the Calgary Pregnancy Care Centre to bless new mothers.
Mom and Dad loved to travel and enjoyed many road trips to places in Canada and the USA (especially Phoenix). Mom had been trying to convince Dad, without much success, to take a cruise. He surprised her one day with tickets for a Panama Canal cruise as he was intrigued by the engineering feats involved in its construction. They had a wonderful time but once was enough for Dad as he preferred to keep his hands on the wheel.
Mom and Dad were dedicated members of First Mennonite Church, Calgary and left a legacy of faithful service to the Lord. Together they devoted their time, talent and treasure to furthering His kingdom here on earth. Mom served on various church committees, taught Sunday School, enjoyed the fellowship and fun as a member of the Women in Mission, and later accepted the call to be a Deacon. In their retirement years, Mom and Dad enjoyed working with Mennonite Voluntary Service on short-term assignments in Akron, Pennsylvania and Montreat, North Carolina.
For the past eight years, Irene resided at Evanston Grand Village and enjoyed events and outings as well as making new friends among her fellow residents in Independent Living.
A Celebration of Irene’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11:00 am at First Mennonite Church (2600 Richmond Road SW, Calgary, AB). If friends so desire, donations may be made in Irene’s memory directly to Mennonite Central Committee, Alberta, 210, 2946 – 32 Street NE, Calgary, AB, T1Y 6J7 or to a charity of their choice.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Irene, please visit www.choicememorial.com.