Irene Berthe Williams

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Williams on Nov. 23, 2024 at the age of 94. Her two daughters Evelyn Jost and Sonia Williams (Bill Buchanan) were by her side. 

We are grateful for the loving care of staff on the assisted living floor at Maplewood Retirement Community, for the Ontario Health at Home palliative care nurses, and for staff at MLC Health Care who looked after Irene at night in recent weeks.

Irene lived a full and vibrant life, passionate about the arts, a lover of travel, and an agile skier, skater, swimmer, and tennis player. Many will remember her for her warm hospitality and the great conversations and food around her table.

Born in Zurich, Switzerland in 1930, she followed her sweetheart, the late Charles Williams, to Canada in 1955. They settled in Ottawa where they raised three children. Irene was a faithful member of the Metropolitan Bible Church where she taught and facilitated women’s groups for decades. She also travelled across Canada and the United States speaking at women’s retreats and conferences where she shared her story of faith.

 Irene is predeceased by her husband Charles Williams (2014); son Peter Williams (2011), and her son-in-law Rev. Randy Jost (2021). She is survived by 7 grandchildren with whom she had loving relationships: Heidi, Jared (Marie-Joelle), Lyndon (Lami), Nathan (Katherine), Joel, David, and Adam (Julie). Irene was also blessed to spend time with her 15 great grandchildren: Caleb, Ayanna, Zachary, Estelle, Naomi, Knox, Micah, Jesse, Rosalie, Olivia, Magnolia, Charles, Leo, Emmett, and Norah.

Irene will be deeply missed and we will carry her love in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be held at the Metropolitan Bible Church, 2176 Prince of Wales Dr, Nepean on Sunday, December 1st from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Funeral service will be held at Metropolitan Bible Church on Monday at 11 am followed by a reception. Interment Capital Memorial Gardens.

The family would appreciate donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in gratitude to Dr Thierry Mesana who performed Irene’s lifesaving surgery in 2010.

For those who wish to view the service please use the link https://youtube.com/live/de6_esFY9Zo?feature=share