Obituary of Irene Theresa Kagan

Irene Theresa Kagan passed away on July 7, 2023, just 4 months after the death of her husband, Dr. Joseph Michael Kagan. Her memory will always be treasured by her daughters Ruth of Ottawa, Deborah(Kevin) of Winnipeg, Mary(Duncan)of Victoria and Andrea(Roman) of West Vancouver; sons Michael(Colleen) of Morden and John(Neftali) of Vancouver; grandchildren Leah(Lee), Leeza, Yurdan, Daniel(Melissa), Ulyana, Sarah, Jessica and Rebecca; great grandchildren Evelyn and Emma, and dog Tessie.

Irene was predeceased by her parents William and Dinah Hall. Her brothers Clifford (Midge), Lesley (Lillian) and Dennis (Sheila)Hall. She is survived by her older sister Joan Bibby of the U.K. 

Irene Kagan was born on February 25th, 1936 in Stockport, England and raised during WW2. She attained her RN in 1957 from Manchester Northern Hospital and specialized in medical and surgical nursing. In 1958, she immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada where she was certified with the Manitoba Association of Registered Nurses. She had many adventures in Arborg, MB working as matron of the hospital, as well as at the St. Boniface Sanatorium (now St. Amant) and the King George Isolation Hospital (now Riverside). While working with polio patients, she contracted the disease, stubbornly refusing to succumb to the illness and learned to walk again. She met her future husband of 64 years at St. Boniface hospital in Winnipeg and devoted herself to her family of six children. When the youngest started high school, she returned to nursing, completing her re-certification at the RRCC. She then worked as an RN at Tuxedo Villa Retirement Home, Canada Post as OHN, as well as The Deaf Center, after learning sign language and some brail. She was extremely witty, a wonderful storyteller with a brilliant sense of humour. She cherished life, was passionate about nursing, and devoted herself to her family while always making time for others.  She was an incredible cook and was especially known for her gravy and bran muffins. Although separated by oceans, she always kept a special place in her heart, thoughts and prayers for family abroad. 

She enjoyed camping across the country with her family during the summer. A favorite spot was Clear Lake. A singer of songs, it was not uncommon to hear her humming a tune, a favorite being “You are my Sunshine”. Always one for adventure, she loved to travel and ensured every one of her children, upon high school graduation, met her family in England. She encouraged exploring and broadening one’s education by studying elsewhere, if not abroad. She was a caring wife, mother and very proud grandmother and will be dearly missed.  

It will never be “goodbye” mum, just “cheerio”. 

Thank you to the staff at Tabor home in Morden, Manitoba, who provided excellent care for our mother during the last years of her life. Your kindness and dedication are greatly appreciated.  

If so desired, donations in Irene Kagan’s memory may be made to Tabor home, 450 Loren Drive, Morden Manitoba R6M 0E2.