Mary Irene Power

January 4, 1926 – December 9, 2024

(Mary) Irene Power (née O’Grady) passed away peacefully at Providence Manor in Kingston, just short of her 99th birthday. Irene was born in Timmins, ON, to Germaine and Michael O’Grady and was the younger sister of Robert (“Bob”).

Irene followed her brother Bob to Queen’s University, where she earned an Honours BA in 1950. It was at Queen’s that she met her husband, Cyril Power, whom she married in 1952. Irene’s rewarding career as a secondary school teacher lasted over 34 years, bringing her lasting friendships and the gratitude of countless students.

Irene was an active bridge player, member of a gourmet cooking club, and avid gardener. She found great happiness in spending summers at “the camp,” where she tended her gardens and welcomed family, friends, and loved ones. Irene cherished the company of her mother, Germaine, who lived with her family for 20 years, as well as her devoted sheltie mix, Nanook, and her “grand-dogs.”

In retirement, Irene and Cyril embraced their love of travel, visiting every continent except Antarctica, enjoying many trips to Sanibel Island, Florida, and becoming avid cruisers later in life. In 2004, Irene and Cyril moved to Kingston, where they appreciated living on the water, walking downtown, and spending time with their grandchildren. They returned to the camp as often as possible, spending whole summers there. As Irene’s Alzheimer’s Disease progressed, she and Cyril moved to Providence Manor in 2018, where they were compassionately cared for by staff and supported by their devoted caregiver of six years, Yanet Bush.

Irene is survived by her children, Sheila (Stuart) and Eileen (George); her grandchildren Ian (Emily) and Kate; her sister-in-law, Yvonne Power; and her nieces and nephews on both the O’Grady side (Brian, Susan, and Kevin) and the Power side (Sean, Beth, Kevin, Cathy, and Brendan). She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Cyril, her brother Bob (Doreen), and her parents, Germaine and Mick.

A service to celebrate Irene’s life will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM at James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd., Kingston, followed by a reception for family and friends.