IRENE MAE HINDS
November 19, 1939 ~November 16, 2017

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our precious Mother and Nana, on November 16, 2017, peacefully at home with her family by her side.

Irene was born in Winnipeg on November 19, 1939, welcomed by parents Cecil and Mae Webber and big brother Ray. Four years later she welcomed a little sister and lifelong best friend into her life, Loraine (“Cookie”).

Dancing was a lifelong passion of Irene's; she found herself in toe shoes by the age of five. Throughout her childhood and adolescence, she worked with her brother in his dance studio. Together they taught many. Their mother was their seamstress, making all the sequined costumes for the dancers.

At fifteen years old she met the man who would become her husband, Brian Hinds. They danced their way into a lifetime of romance, to the sweet melodies of the '40's and rockin' tunes of the '50's. Irene fell in love with Brian on the dance floor. They got married in 1961 and soon had two loving children, Heather Lynn and Todd.

As a family they moved several times, back and forth between Winnipeg, Toronto and Thunder Bay, making many lifelong, cherished friendships along the way.

Later in life, Irene and Brian were blessed with two granddaughters, Ashley and Heidi. Irene became a “Nana” and proudly shared her nail polish, jewellery and old gowns with them. Ashley and Heidi loved when their Nana would tell stories of their old family dog, Missy, and all the mischief she would get into.

Upon retirement, Irene and Brian moved back to Winnipeg to enjoy life with old friends. They became devoted parents again, to two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Duffy and Jamie. Those dogs were their pride and joy. Their life in Winnipeg allowed them to be closer to their cottage in Kenora, where many of their happiest memories were made for more than 20 years.

Irene is survived by her daughter Heather Lynn Pouru, son-in-law Jari Pouru, granddaughters Ashley (Tom Collins) and Heidi (Cory Johnston) Pouru, brother Ray Webber (Rita), sister Loraine Wilson (Terry) and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Brian Hinds, son Todd Hinds, her parents Cecil and Mae Webber and in-laws Arthur and Margarite Hinds.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, Northern Cancer Fund or The Arthritis Society in honour of the care they have provided.

The family would like to take this time to thank the nurses on 1A and Dr. Simpson at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and ParaMed, and specifically Dr. Garon and nurse Georgette. Your constant support has helped in keeping Irene's wishes fulfilled.

Together again with her husband and son, may she dance for eternity in the heavens above.

“A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam, and for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world. But then it flies on again, and although we wish it could have stayed, we are so thankful to have seen it at all.” ~ Author Unknown.

Fly on sweet Butterfly.