January 21, 1930 - May 1, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Irene Mary Dolly Cross (Stern) on May 1, 2021 at 6:45 am at the age of 91 years at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre.
Irene was the second youngest daughter born to Ida and Charles Stern on January 21, 1930. She was baptised on May 2, 1930 and confirmed on December 3, 1944 at the Lutheran Church in the Lavesta community. She was a lifetime member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Rimbey, an active member and on many of the church boards helping organize events and meetings.
She was raised on the family farm with her five siblings and attended school in the Lavesta community.
Irene married Harold (Toby) Cross on October 6, 1950. They moved to Bluffton and had 6 children. Irene worked at the macaroni factory in Bluffton, worked at Macleod's store in Rimbey for the Brown family, drove school bus for many years, and worked as a custodian at the Bluffton School with her husband.
Irene was always prepared for a visit by friends or family and always had all kinds of delicious baking available. She enjoyed curling, gardening, camping, and flowers, winning a Best Garden award.
She cherished and loved spending time with her 6 children, 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Family was especially important in her life.
She is survived by and will be lovingly remembered by her sister Shirley Damiani; daughter in-law Jackie Cross, her two sons; Randy (Karen), Blaine (Donita), her two daughters; Shannon (Janie), Sherry Bilous (Manfred), 12 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren whom all dearly will miss their gran, along with numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Harold (Toby), eldest son Allan Cross, eldest daughter Charlene Hayden, grandson Terence Cross, and great granddaughter Leaira Wilson.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and thanks for the help, care, and love that the staff, nurses, doctors, LPNs, care workers, recreation department, physiotherapy dept, occupational therapy, cleaning department, managers, assistants, and volunteers had shown mom while in the Rimbey Extended Care Area 3. We are sincerely grateful for the compassion and care they provided mom.
Due to restrictions currently in place during the pandemic, the immediate family will attend a private church service at the Zion Lutheran Church. A graveside service was held for extended family and friends on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 2:30 pm.
For those unable to attend the Service, please visit our website at www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca anytime after Thursday, May 6, 2021 to view the taped service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre/Long Term Care PO. Box 440 Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 in memory of Irene Cross.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
Arrangements in care of Wilson's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 4934-49 Avenue, Rimbey AB. 403-843-3388.
Wilson’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium