Irene TOMA

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TOMA: The death of Irene Toma beloved wife of the late John Toma occurred at her residence Rideau Park Personal Care Home on Thursday, March 17, 2011. Irene was born July 20, 1922 in Hochweis, Czechoslovakia, eldest daughter of Johanna and Matthias Saler. She immigrated to Canada August 30, 1932 with her mother and her brother Louis. Her father had immigrated five years before. They settled on a farm in the Riverdale area (near Minnedosa) where she completed her education. In 1939 she met her husband to be, John, and after five years of courtship, she married him in 1944. Several years later in 1947 they bought a farm in the Rapid City area, where they raised their four daughters, Margaret, Mary, Susan and Therese. Irene and her family moved to Brandon in 1966 where her husband John found employment with Burns Packers. Irene was very active in the St. Augustine's Catholic Womens' League. Her ten grandchildren, Emily (Stacey), Dana (Pat), Steven (Tammy), Ann (Peter), Christopher (Michelle), Lynda (Ben), Michael (Kim), Jennifer (Jeff), Shaun (Amber) and Heather (Mike), were a great source of joy to her and in her retiring years she devoted a lot of time, love and energy to them. Irene leaves to mourn her daughters: Margaret, Mary, Susan (Keith Hyde), Therese (Marv Alexander) and their respective families including numerous great-grandchildren. She also leaves her brothers Louis (Elaine), Vincent (Mary Anne), Emil (Sally), Anthony (Linda) and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, an infant son, an infant granddaughter (Christine), her brothers Andrew, Lawrence and Alfred and her sisters Mary and Victoria. Funeral service was held Wednesday March 23, 2011 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church with Father Dominic Yuen officiating. Interment was in the Brandon Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandchildren Christopher Short, Michael Hyde, Shaun Alexander and nephews Richard Saler, Kirk Saler and Mark Saler. Honourary pallbearers were the members of the Catholic Womens' League. Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415 - 1st Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2W8. Expressions of sympathy maybe made atwww.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 26, 2011