Aug. 1, 1925 - Nov. 14, 2012
Iris passed away peacefully November 14, 2012 at the age of 87 years surrounded by her loving family.
Iris is survived by her children: Jody (Stan), Gaye (Jeff), Dennis (Janice), and Jana (Loyd); grandchildren: Michael (Morag), Colleen (Jason), Carolyn, Andrea, Breanna, Bryce, Kendall, Devan, Kelly (Mike), Matthew (Ashley); sister Diana (Ron) and many nieces and nephews.
Iris was predeceased by her beloved husband Len and her six siblings.
Iris was Albert and Elizabeth Sterling’s third child of eight. She grew up in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan and graduated from high school in 1943. That September she entered St.Paul’s hospital nursing program in Saskatoon and graduated as an RN in May 1946. Iris was a gifted nurse and received the General Proficiency award for her class.
After working in Saskatchewan she set off for the west coast with plans to go onto Hawaii. While working at Chilliwack General Hospital, Len Butchart set eyes on her and they fell in love. They married in September 1950.
Iris left nursing in 1951 to be at home with her children. In 1967 mom returned to nursing at the Chilliwack General Hospital and continued to practice until 1989.
Nursing was a passion for Iris but nothing made her happier than having her family near her. Her family was her pride and joy and she also cherished her special times with her friends. Iris also enjoyed walking, skating, dancing, biking, golf, bowling, bridge, baking, sewing, and knitting. She was an incredible mother and grandmother, we will miss her dearly.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at Henderson’s Funeral Home in Chilliwack on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 2 pm. Tea will follow.
Iris’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Cascade Lodge. The affection for mom and the exceptional care will always be remembered.
Iris will live on in the hearts of her family and all those whose lives she touched during her full life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Iris’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and the Yukon.