After a long and healthy life, Mrs. Irene Ingrid Ethel Blomfeldt, a longtime resident of Nolalu, passed away peacefully in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the age of 93.
Irene was born to Waino and Ilmi (nee Saario) Kuster in Nolalu, Ontario on October 24, 1930, during an early season snow storm in the Depression Era. She grew up on the family farm in Lybster Township with her brother Elmer and her sisters Bernice and Viola. Irene attended school in Nolalu, but had to quit before finishing to help out on the farm. She had the privilege of seeing the P.D. Rail Train roll through the village during her early school years with her siblings.
She met Gordon Blomfeldt and they were married on May 14, 1949, sharing over 34 years together until Gordon's passing in 1983. Irene worked various jobs over the years including at the Tree Farm, and as a Waitress, Bush Camp Cook and Chambermaid.
Irene was a lifelong member of the Nolalu Community Centre, a member of the Rural 60 Plus Group and a member of the Kakabeka Legion, where she attended many Bingo games over the years. She was also a member of the Red Hats Group and always looked forward to their activities and functions. She was very artistic and enjoyed weaving rugs on her loom, knitting, sewing, crocheting and painting. She also loved working in the garden, and looked forward to entering produce in the Hymers Fair and winning ribbons and prizes. Irene was very fond and proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her greatest joy was spending time with them.
Mom lived in the same farm house for 74 years, before moving to Kakabeka Seniors Apartments in May 2023, where she continued to live independently, taking care of herself and her apartment, and driving her car.
Irene is survived by her son Byron (Sandy); granddaughters Janie (Tyler), Amanda (Phil), Rachel (Don) and grandson Adam; great-grandchildren Kaitlyn (Taylor), Ava (Luke), Emily, Dominic and Danielle; sisters Viola (Gordie) Gonyou and Bernice Niemi. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Anja Kuster and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon, son Gary and daughter Doreen; parents Waino and Ilmi Kuster; brother Elmer Kuster and brother-in-law Bruno Niemi.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Irene Blomfeldt will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 11:00am in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, where Irene will be laid to rest with her husband, son and daughter.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Irene to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
