Irene Elizabeth Mazur (Vecqueray)

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and partner, Irene Elizabeth Mazur (Vecqueray) passed away surrounded by family at the age of 78 on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Irene will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 57 years, Steve Joseph Mazur, children: Joseph (Kirsten), Laurie-Lynne (Paul), Dean (Catherine); grandchildren: Tonja, Mikayla (Shane), Danyelle, Jenna, Tianna, Brody, Drew, Conner, Scarlett; and numerous family members and close friends. Irene was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth “Bill” Vecqueray & Florence “Flo” Vecqueray, and brother Allan Vecqueray.

Irene was born on January 9, 1946, in North Vancouver. As an infant the family moved to Armstrong BC, where her father operated the local co-op garage for several years. Afterwards, resettling to Vernon BC, Irene attended the Vernon Centre School, currently known as Beairsto Elementary, and graduated from Vernon Secondary School. One of the proudest moments of her adolescence was participating in the Queen Silverstar program, during the third year of the Vernon Winter Carnival, in 1963, representing the Pythian Sisters. Her favourite employment during her teenage years was at the Towne Theatre in downtown Vernon. This obviously contributed to her fondness for cinema throughout her life. The magic of Harry Potter, Hallmark Christmas specials, and anything featuring her Hollywood crush, Tom Cruise, became integral to her life. Subsequently, Top-Gun Maverick was the last movie Irene saw in Theatre, along with her two sons, Joseph and Dean.

Following graduation, while living in Vernon, Irene worked briefly at an accounting office. Then, in 1966, she met the love of her life and best friend, Steve Joseph Mazur. They were married in January of 1967. Alongside the Shuswap River, just outside of Enderby BC, Irene and Steve built their forever home on the Mazur family farm. During their 57 years of marriage, they welcomed three children, Joseph (Kirsten), Laurie-Lynne (Paul), Dean (Catherine), and nine grandchildren. After raising her children, Irene returned to work in the mid 80’s at the Red Basket in Enderby, where she worked for 23 years before retiring.

As a city girl from Vernon, Irene quickly adjusted to farm life. Living and working on the farm shaped Irene’s genuine character: hardworking, gracious, loyal, generous and determined – especially when it came to beating others at Cribbage. Spring was the time for Irene’s extravagant Easter Egg Hunt. May long weekends were spent planting the garden and the flowerpots in front of the house. Summer consisted of canning her legendary dill pickles and other preserves. As well as keeping the hummingbird feeders full. Fall was a time of gratitude, where around the table at Thanksgiving dinner, family would take turns sharing what they were thankful for. Winter was the “most wonderful time of the year,” for Irene and her family. Walking into Irene’s brightly decorated home, with each piece of tinsel perfectly placed on the tree, you could inhale deeply the delicious aromas of Christmas baking. She spent an entire month preparing her holiday treats, including her revered Nuts n’ Bolts and Peanut Brittle, which she carefully recorded in a book for future reference. It was impossible to visit and not be filled with the magic of Christmas. Her grandchildren especially were always fascinated with the flawlessly wrapped gifts, displayed across the entire living room.

If anyone was to emulate the word grandma, it was Irene. She remembered all her grandchildren’s accomplishments and forgot all their mistakes. It was important to her to attend all concerts, recitals, sporting events, graduations, and family birthdays. Always finding the perfect card for every occasion. With her signature phrase ‘With Luck, Laughter, and Love,’ Irene would painstakingly write the number of x’s and o’s, matching her grandchild’s current age on their birthday cards, which her grandchildren would teasingly count to see if grandma got it right.

She found pure joy during conversations in the kitchen, while sharing a slice of pizza and a Coca-Cola. She also revelled in the victory of an epic card game, while enjoying a Wine-Gum or O’Henry bar. Life became a blend of love, strength, and unwavering loyalty, when the thread that bound our family together, Irene, was threatened by illness. In the early 2000’s Irene was diagnosed with breast cancer.

We had the amazing gift of being able to spend 20+ years with her following the initial diagnosis. Irene was able to attend all her children’s weddings and witness the birth of her nine grandchildren. Due to increasing health concerns, Irene began to embrace new passions. Cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as the Men’s and Women’s curling teams, became a shared interest with her husband, Steve. Days were spent completing crosswords and reading novels.

Friends and neighbours frequented Irene & Steve’s home, bestowing encouragement and endless foodstuffs, which were a true testament to the beautiful woman she was. Irene’s home phone and cell continually had a busy signal, due to the marathon chats with her family and friends offering support.

There are no words to express how grateful the family is to Dr. Hardy, Dr. Rankin, and the staff at the Vernon Cancer Clinic and the hospital, for their years of care for Irene.

Irene is survived by her loving husband Steve, all their children, her nine grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The second you left us, our hearts broke in two, one part forever filled with sorrow, the other with happiness at the fond memories of you.

At Irene’s request, no service will be held.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: