Irene Helen Young
January 23rd, 2021
Irene Helen Young (Rene)
1954 - 2021
On January 23, 2021, our hearts were broken when Irene Helen Young (Rene) passed away at Surrey Memorial Hospital. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Adrienne, Natalie (Gordon) and Erika (Fraser), partner Steve, granddaughter Mya and extended family and friends.
Rene was born in Vancouver and was raised by her mother and grandmother. She was the youngest of 4 children but was closest with her sister, Madeleine. As they grew up, they got into plenty of trouble which made for humorous and memorable stories that were shared with family over the years.
As a single mother who ran her own business, Rene was an incredible woman who wasn’t afraid of hard work and a little elbow grease. She had an enduring spirit that was both no-nonsense and loving. Raising three daughters while working long exhausting hours, she somehow still had energy to ensure every single birthday and holiday was magical and memorable. She was overjoyed at the arrival of her granddaughter Mya in 2017 and took every opportunity to adore her "little dee dee" when she could.
Her amazing heart and tireless doting were also extended to her two pampered pups, Charlotte and Daisy with whom she loved spending time outside on their daily walks or watching them run about in the neighbourhood park.
An avid and passionate gardener, Rene adored being outside on a sunny day, barefoot in the grass, while digging her hands deep into fresh soil; she could turn any landscape into a lush, green oasis where flowers like her favourite white lilies and hydrangeas, her royal purple lilac bushes and her beloved golden laburnum tree would thrive. She passed her green thumb down to her daughters who will continue to celebrate and remember her through their own gardening. Rene took great joy in watching the local wildlife come to her backyard sanctuary, especially the hummingbirds who would zip about her plants and visit her many feeders. In addition to gardening, she was a warm and wonderful host not to mention a talented baker which led to the most divine desserts for family gatherings - including the beloved family chocolate birthday cake, cheesecake with raspberry coulis, and chocolate chip square with meringue topping. No matter where she was, she always went out of her way to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome, her family and friends, loved.
With her terrific sense of humour, Rene loved to laugh, make jokes, and enjoyed a good bout of silly which often ended in a parody of some well-known song and then in a laughing fit with her family..."Turkey, lobster, sweet potato pie! Pancakes piled up until they reached the sky!”
She will be dearly missed by all and will be celebrated for years to come.
Until we meet again Mom. Love you forever and always, your Girls ❤
