IRENA MARIA LOWRY

LOWRY, IRENA MARIA (nee KOWALSKI) 1950 - 2022 Passed away peacefully, on March 24, 2022. Beloved wife of David, cherished sister of Janina (late Jon) and much-loved "Auntie" of Peter (Katrina), great-niece and nephew Lucy and Dean and Vanessa, Sabrina and Diana Williams. She leaves behind extended family in Ontario, California and Wisconsin and many dear friends. Predeceased by her parents Aloyzy (Alec) and Olga Kowalski. Irena was born and raised in London, Ontario and educated at the University of Western Ontario (B.A., MLIS) and Althouse College (B.Ed.). Her lifelong love of travel, arts and culture was sparked by her year studying in France, travelling throughout Europe and living in Brazil. After two years of teaching, she moved to Toronto where she worked as a corporate librarian. In her 30s, she transitioned to a long and fulfilling career as a researcher in the executive recruitment field. She worked until the onset of her illness in May 2021. Irena never forgot the many people she met and nurtured the friendships she formed throughout her life. In recent years, Irena applied her formidable skills to research her family's heritage. One of many legacies she leaves behind is a rich trove of family history for the next generation. The family thanks the medical staff at Joseph Brant, St. Peter's and Juravinski Hospitals for their care and compassion. As per Irena's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family funeral is planned. A Celebration of Life will be held in late spring.