REGINA LEADER POST:

TIDBALL_It is with sadness that the family of Irene May Tidball announces her unexpected passing on June 25, 2007 at the age of 85 years.

Irene was born on May 25, 1922 near Indian Head, SK to Agnes and Burton Beach. Her parents and also an infant brother predecease her.

Irene is survived by her husband of almost 65 years, Leonard; her son, Allan (Linda) of Regina; granddaughter, Darla (Ian) of Calgary; and grandson Allan Jon (Amara), also of Calgary; and as well as her sister Agnes "Toots " Bolton of Vernon, BC.

She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Eileen Wilson of Edmonton, Edythe Ast (Norman) of Emerald Park and Irene Rein of Regina, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene and Leonard relocated from their Innismore home into the Douglas Park area along with their son in 1959 where they have enjoyed many wonderful friendships over the years. Irene and her friend Nettie Smith, owned and operated Renette's Boutique, a ladies clothing store, located initially in the Eaton-Dominion Mall and later in the Victoria Square Mall. They personally served their clientele's fashion needs for more than 20 years.

Irene and Leonard loved traveling and have visited all of the Canadian provinces and territories from coast to coast and border to the Artic Sea. They also had the opportunity to visit with family living in Great Britain and New Zealand.

Irene was an avid gardener and when not attending to flowers and tomatoes she enjoyed watching the birds from her patio or kitchen window. She was a good neighbour who hosted memorable gatherings of all sorts and always had a game or two arranged to entertain the group.

Playing cards was a favourite past time and in recent years Irene joined a bridge club initially made up of neighbourhood ladies but expanded to cover various areas of the city. Irene's kindness, good nature, laughter, friendship, traditions and keen advice will be missed by many, but mostly by her family.

Following Irene's wishes, there will not be a service, however, a Memorial Tea will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in Speers Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Osteoporosis Canada, Regina Chapter, 414 Victoria Avenue, Regina S4N 0P6. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com