Irene Florence (Evans) Chartrand

Passed away at the Carberry Health Centre in Carberry, MB on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the age of 88 years, Irene Florence Chartrand, of Carberry, MB.

Irene leaves to mourn her passing sons Evan (Pat) of Carberry, MB and Chris (Sheila) of Yorkton, SK, daughter-in-law Rita Chartrand of England, grandchildren Brent (Melody), Jaicee, Laura (Jeff) Davis, Mitchel (Ashley), Travis and Nicole (Levi), great-grandchildren Marc (Marielle), Kyle, Theo and Hayden and great-great-grandchild Aria as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended relatives.

Irene was predeceased by her son Richard, parents Albert and Bertha (nee Graham) Evans and siblings Lawrence, Alice, Kay, Coralie, Alton and Evelyn.

Irene was born on November 4, 1937 and was the youngest of seven children. She grew up closely with her siblings who kept a close bond all through their lives. Her parents were children of early English settlers. Mom was raised on the family farm northwest of Holland, MB. Life on the farm was constant hard work with never ending chores both inside and outside. She attended Selton school until it closed in 1948 and the students moved to Holland school. After high school she received her teaching certificate and taught at Rae School at Pratt, MB and then at Lily Bay School near Lundar, MB.

It was at Lundar that she met our dad Michael Chartrand who was serving in the Armed Forces. They were later married on August 24, 1957 at Holland, MB. Over a span of many years Dad was posted to various locations in Canada & Europe to include Edmonton, Germany, Gagetown, New Brunswick, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Shilo. Each military posting was a new experience filled with different cultures and a unique way of living which at times was a hard adjustment. Mom had many stories, memories, and photos depicting our military life and the history of each posting. During those years they were blessed with three sons Richard, Evan & Chris. Raising three sons was challenging at times but they were her pride & joy and her primary focus which made her a very devoted mother.

In the mid 1970’s they made Carberry their permanent home. Her life in Carberry was dedicated to working at Carnation Foods (McCains), raising three sons, keeping a home, and spending time with her own family. Mom was a grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother who cherished every moment with them. She loved nature & wildlife especially birds & flowers, was always ready for a drive in the countryside to investigate new areas and their history. She often had supper out with family or friends and enjoyed a good cup of tea and pie. She had a natural gift for knitting & crocheting and could whip up a project often without looking at her stitches. Mom was a very good cook and baker and could fix any recipe that wasn’t quite right. She loved the finer things in life such as china dishes, doilies, pictures, and special tokens. Family keepsakes and special occasions were very important to her and she made sure family members knew the history of each one. Mom loved to read, explore history, and play piano. She had a generous heart and would help someone in need of lodging or a ride. She made toques and mitts for the IODE, donated time to the museums at Carberry and Austin.

Mom lived through hard times and good times which helped mold her personality. She was strong willed, independent, and often opinionated but her soft side was patient, understanding and very caring. The teacher in her never faded. She would often drop her current activity and make time to teach someone to crochet, sew, cook, garden, play piano or just lend an ear if you needed advice. 

Mom’s passing leaves us with a void that cannot be filled but also with many cherished memories and stories to carry on for generations. She will be fondly missed by anyone who knew her.

There are many people whom we thank for your support, visits, inquiries, and well wishes for mom over the years. Special thanks to Carberry Homecare, friends at the Marshall Manor, staff at the Brandon Hospital and Carberry Health Centre.

A private family service will be held with interment to follow at Brookdale Cemetery, Holland, MB.

Friends that so wish, memorial donations may be made in Irene’s memory to Carberry Plains Museum, Box 1072 Carberry, MB R0K 0H0 or Brookdale Cemetery c/o Municipality of Victoria, Box 40, Holland, MB R0G 0X0.

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