Irfôna LARKIN

Dear Larkin Family, so sad at the sudden news of Irfona's passing. Thank you for the wonderful memorial reception, so much enjoyed by many of her friends of different spheres. Is it possible to have a copy of her biography which I read with great interest at the [email protected]

Dear Aileen, Judith, Susan and Andrew,

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. I just learned today of the passing of your dear mother. Irfona was a cherished, kind and wonderful neighbour of Brita & Wolfgang Budde - my parents-in-law! Your mom was so good and so gracious with Brita Budde. We often joined her for a cup of tea and a visit when Brita was living in a retirement home. Brita truly loved and admired Irfona and, as two talented artists, they had a lot in common. I accompanied Brita on these visits, so I had a chance to catch up on the whereabouts and goings on of each of her children... most of whom I recall teaching at Henry Munro! Your mother adored you all as well as her grandchildren and was always eager to show us photos and tell us stories about you.
My husband Michael and I are honoured to have the magnificent sculpture of Wolfgang Budde - which Irfona sculpted with her gifted exactness and talent.
We hope that all of you will cherish the wonderful memories you have of your delightful, charming and very kind mother. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Gina Taggart-Budde & Michael Budde

To Susan and others of Irfona's family, I'm so sad and shocked to hear the news of her death. I'll remember her gentle, smiling presence, her passion for English country dancing, and her interest and love for those she met. My thoughts are with you, as you grieve the loss of her.

So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I have fond memories of her from visiting your house. She was such a warm person and an unfailingly gracious hostess.

So many of us will remember Irfona as a gracious and lovely dancer. She was also a marvelous host for my visit to call in Ottawa and her house was filled with books! May her memory be for a blessing.

Dearest Susan...I'm stunned and filled with sorrow. I so loved your mother's dancing and her company.

Irfôna attended many Scottish Dance events in Ottawa in the 1970s and 80s. She danced with grace, poise and charm. As with me, I am sure that her presence, activities and creations have touched many, for the better.

Nous sommes toutes et tous très attristée du décès d'Irfona. Nos pensées accompagnent tous ses proches parents et amis. Nous n'aurons plus le privilège de partager du temps et de danser avec elle.

To Susan and family,
I have danced with your Mum and driven to dance camp with her. She was always lovely and will be greatly missed.

Dear Aileen & Ross, Colin & Anna, My sincerest condolences on your loss. It was so lovely to see Colin last night, and then this morning, I saw the notice in the paper. I remember Colin's Grandmother very well, and met her on many occasions - bringing Colin for lessons, cheering him on in concerts, meeting her at Les Concerts Ponticello. A very lovely lady, a music lover, an encourager of the arts. I always felt how proud she was of all her family. I remember her as always smiling, as in the photograph. Thinking of you all in these difficult days.

I'm so very sorry to hear of Irfona's passing. She was a lovely, gentle woman. She will be missed. My sincere condolences to her family.

I will always remember visiting the Larkin house and being so warmly welcomed. My memories are of a kind smile, infinite patience, and a creative spirit. My condolences to Andrew, Judith and Aileen during this difficult time. My heart goes out to you.

My condolences to all the family and friends, to all that knew, thus loved Irfona. I danced with Irfona, loved her liveliness and cheerfull spirit.
My heart is with you all.
Nicole Lafontaine

Irfona was someone I was always glad to see whenever I was hired for a Musica Divina concert, or came out to dance at International Folkdancers of Ottawa--a truly elegant, and inspirational presence! She will be greatly missed...

Sending all of you our love. Marjory and Graham

Irfona led us through many steps and missteps in our introduction to Rennaisance Dancing and later English Country Dancing. She was an inspired teacher and an inspiration in our 12th Night Society and a respected long time associate in our historical and dancing societies. She will be missed by us and all her knew her. She was a lady of many talents and enthusiasms and was inspirational to all those who knew her.

Irfona did a lot for many years for the National Capital Network of Sculptors. She was always cheerful when I saw her and contributed so much. We will miss her.

I feel privileged to have met Irfona and danced to her teaching. She will be missed by many. My condolences to you, Susan, and to all the family.

Irfona was an excellent member and volunteer of The Network of Sculptures. We shall miss her.
Barbara Nathan Marcus.

Irfona was so elegant and intelligent. I met her a few times at IFDO when she taught us dancing. She was patient, kind, and encouraging. How I miss her! She will live in my heart.

As a member of the National Capital Network of Sculptors and a smiling, creative spirit, Irfona will be sadly missed.
Angela Verlaeckt Clark

Dear Irfôna and Dancing Spirit,

We feel as though a limb from our bodies has vanished.
Tears are not enough to express our deep love and admiration.
You will always be present in our hearts.
Gregory and Catherine

Irfona has been pivotal In my life. Gifted in so many ways, she shared her love of dance, sculpture and so much more. Her legacy lives on.

To the Larkin family,
May the love of friends and family help you at this sad time. We have lovely memories of a fellow international folk dancer.

Always an elegant and gracious spirit. A wonderful neighbour and a beautiful dancer, dance teacher.