Obituary - Velia Irwin

Velia (“Vi”) Antonietta Irwin, beloved wife of the late I. M. “Gordon” Irwin, passed away in Bow Island on September 20, 2010 at the age of 88 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Sheila (Lewis) Johnson and Jane (Blair) Cain and her grandsons Joel Cain and Aaron Cain. She is also survived by three sisters, Nila Sieben, Bianca (Buck) Baldry, Giselle Hodgson and a sister-in-law, Jo Corraini, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Velia was predeceased by her husband Gordon; an infant son James; her parents, Massimo and Angelina Corraini; her brothers, Gino Corraini and George Corraini; three sisters, Aldina Corraini, Jollie Foster and Palma Degenstein; three brothers-in-law, Alan Foster, Clifford Hodgson and George Degenstein; and a sister-in-law, Maureen Corraini. Velia was born in Ville del Monte, Italy in 1922. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924 and settled on a farm 20 miles south of Bow Island. Velia received her schooling at Haig School, a one-room schoolhouse in the Maleb district. Like many children from large families during the Depression era, Velia left school before graduation in order to help her family. After working in the Bow Island area and in Medicine Hat, she moved to Lethbridge where she found employment at a coffee shop called the Brite Spot. The owner of the business was a handsome Scotsman named Gordon Irwin, and they were married on September 21, 1946. They moved to Bow Island in 1954 where she has resided since then. Velia will be remembered for her hospitality, selfless giving, humour, and kindness to everyone. A Celebration of Velia’s life will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 - 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Saturday, September 25, 2010, at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Roger Lobb officiating. Interment will follow in the Bow Island Cemetery. If friends so desire, contributions may be made to Gideon Bible International, 3123 – 15 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 8K1, or to the charity of one’s choice.