Irma Bygate

September 6, 1930 ~ January 21, 2026
With heavy heart and profound sadness the family of Irma Bygate announces her passing at St. Joseph's Hospice in the evening hours of January 21, 2026, at the age of 95.

Irma was born in Munster, Germany on September 6, 1930, the eldest child of Anton and Helena Bohr. She is sister to Marlies Kraft and brother Gunther Bohr.

Irma was predeceased by her parents Anton and Helena, younger brother Gunther, brother in-law Friedl Kraft, and nephew Roland Kraft.

As a young woman, after World War 2, Irma headed to England with one of her girlfriends in search of better opportunities. During her time in northern England she became a nurse and afterwards was employed as a nanny. It was during this time she met and married the love of her life, John (Jack) Bygate, on March 21, 1950.

In her early years of marriage, with the birth of two sons (Tony and Alyn) and daughter (Jackie), Irma's life re-focused and was devoted to both her husband and her children. As Jack was in the Royal Air Force the family, during these years, moved between various air bases in England and France. Often Irma was the sole support and protector of her children while Jack was away in the Middle East, Cyprus, and other locations.

Irma's life of an Air Force wife changed when Jack's career path transitioned into being a representative and technical consultant in Flight Data Recorders. This resulted in the family relocating to Montreal in 1965. After a few years, and with the addition of another daughter (Susan), the family relocated back to England in 1970 to reconnect and pursue other opportunities. This rekindling lasted for less than a year. At this time it is said that Irma, missing the conveniences of modern kitchen and laundry appliances along with the abundance of shopping and grocery choices, convinced Jack to return to Canada. Jack's work in avionics and aircraft electrical systems saw the family move rapidly from Brockville, to Malton, and finally to a college teaching position in Thunder Bay. Over the years, as her children established their own separate lives, Irma continued to embrace her role as Mum and provided daycare for her grandchildren and numerous other children.

Irma enjoyed life and family wherever she was in Canada and around Thunder Bay. With her family she enjoyed travelling about Quebec, the US north-eastern seaboard, then Northwestern Ontario and central USA. Sunday drives, shopping trips and Casino runs were amongst her favourite pastimes.

Irma was always impeccable, carried herself with purpose, was not shy to offer her opinion, and proved to be one strong-willed lady when it was a necessity. Always loving and caring of her children, Irma made sure they were always well cared for without being overindulged. With encouragement from their Mum and Dad, daily life as a Bygate child was most often full of opportunities and adventures.

Irma was predeceased by her husband (Jack) in October of 1997. After which, her children rallied around and made sure she was never left out of any aspects of daily activities, events and holidays. Often during these years, with family, she would enjoy short and long trips east, west, across the border and yearly cruises to the Caribbean.

Diagnosed in 2016 with Dementia, and later Alzeimer's, Irma continued to live and thrive in her house on James Street and enjoyed a wealth of visits from family and friends. As her disease progressed, she packed up once again and moved into Sister Liela Greco Apartments in 2019, where she enjoyed a sun-filled corner apartment and embraced being catered too and doted on by the wonderful staff and PSW's.

After a fall in December, Irma was hospital bound and then recovering from hip surgery. Sadly, while physically resilient, other aspects of her health were in decline. Irma was welcomed to St. Joseph's Hospice. Her stay there was much too short and with her family saying their final farewells, she continued on her peaceful and calm journey to reunite with husband Jack.

Irma will be sadly missed and remembered by her sons Tony Bygate (Val), Alyn Bygate (Jackie), and daughters Jackie Boyer (Ray) Binbrook, ON, Susan Merlo (Marino Mihaljevic), granddaughter Marlee Bygate (Bora Tekogul) Toronto, ON, grandson Jake Bygate (Meghan), grandson Evan Merlo (Dorothy Romanek) Bridgeport, OH; great granddaughters Norah and Eva Bygate, and great grandson Henry Bygate. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews in England, Wales, and Germany.

Many of her friends, unfortunately, have not exceeded her endurance, but young and old alike are quick to give her their attention and praise, which she always had time to appreciate.

For their care and compassion, the family would like to thank the staff and PSWs at Sister Liela Greco Apartments, Doctor Bassouny, the nurses and staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, as well as the nurses and staff at St. Joseph's Care Group (Hospice).

A celebration of Irma's life will take place on Wednesday, January 28 at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 North Court Street. Visitation from 9:30am -10:30am. Service at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory are invited to donate to the Alzheimer Society or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to www.sargentandson.com