Irene Ardley (nee Bateman), cherished mom, adored grandmother and treasured friend left us on Saturday, April 14, 2012. She expected to meet up with Ernie, whom she married on March 15, 1938, and had three children: Marilyn (Phil) Clark of Sorrento, B.C., George (Pat), who left us much too soon, and Gery Lemon (Graham Hill) of Victoria.
Born on September 7, 1914 to Maggie and Will Bateman Irene lived her early years in Vancouver. When she and Ernie bought the Red and White Store in Lake Cowichan, B.C. in 1944 they began a long relationship with that community where they established and operated The Lake News from 1958 to 1975. After Ernie’s death in 1983, she moved to Maple Ridge, then West Vancouver and, finally, to Victoria.
Besides her two daughters, she leaves to mourn her seven devoted grandchildren: Nicole, Kim and Ian Clark; Courtney Banks and Kelsey Lemon Elmore; Casey and Jessy Ardley and many great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her one brother, Sam Bateman.
A service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m., April 28 at Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell Street. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.