KOLLEE, Irene nee Hagen Kollee

In the early morning of August 26, 2025, as the dawn was softly breaking, our wife, mom, and Grammy peacefully left this earth. She was our matriarch, our guiding star, and a source of such powerful love, it’s hard to know how to go on without her.

Irene was the third child of Omer and Nora Hagen and the sister of Joan (Edsel) and Ken (Marilyn). She was the cherished aunt to Corinne, Julie, Brian, and Rob.

She left Sudbury to attend the Metropolitan School of Nursing in Windsor. It was there where she met her lifelong friends Yvonne and Janet. Irene would later become a very special and honourary auntie to their children.

It was also the place where she began dating a young man from Cayuga named Bob.

Bob and Irene were married in 1972. Irene gained new siblings Linda (Julius), Judy (Noble), Marge (Brian), Jim (Patricia), Arthur (Karen) and Leila (Dan). She would also eventually become the beloved auntie of Jenny, Laurie, Tom, Michelle, Charlie, Mathieu, Lauren, Shannon, Stacey, Nicole, Ian, Scott, Sean, Jillian, Jessica, and Garry.

Irene was also a great-aunt and even a great-great aunt to the children of her many nieces and nephews, both biological and honourary. She welcomed all the new arrivals with special, handmade gifts sent all over Canada and the United States.

Irene was a nurse in many hospital and community settings. She provided exemplary care and leadership everywhere she worked and so many of her coworkers stayed in touch with her long after she moved to a new position.

Her greatest role was mom to Donna, Katie, and Amanda. She was the kind of mother everyone should have. Irene loved fiercely, gave freely and was a powerful, strong example to her daughters.

Irene was delighted to welcome Matthew, Lance, and Mark into the family. They were sons to her and were immediately given the same love, support, and great affection the girls had always known.

Her favourite role, however, was Grammy to Mia, Grayton, Ellis, Myles, Owen, and Ivy. Grammy was a provider of handmade afghans, cookies, card games, and adventures. She was always ready for a sleepover, to drop off a forgotten lunch, to cheer the grandkids on at their events and to give her special whole-body hugs.

We know her many friends are missing her big laugh, thoughtful gifts, and unforgettable presence at euchre games, fitness classes, theatre outings, coffee chats, long lunches, and over glasses of white wine.

Irene was humbled by the outpouring of love and visits she received from so many people in her final days but it was just a return of all the kindness and love she gave throughout her life.

Please join us at Stonehouse-Whitcomb Funeral Home, 11 Mountain Street, Grimsby for a visitation from 4-8 pm on Wednesday, September 3, or a service to celebrate her life at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

To honour both Irene and the exemplary care she received at McNally House Hospice, we ask you to please consider a donation in her name in lieu of flowers.

If you are joining us for the visitation or funeral, we encourage you to wear bright or joyful colours in memory of her vibrant spirit.