Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.
Irene Hazuda
1924 – 2024
Irene was born in Lethbridge on July 10, 1924 and raised on the family farm in the Readymade district. She attended public school and worked the family farm, often hoeing sugar beets for her older brothers until marrying Michal Hazuda on November 21, 1946.
Irene was born in Lethbridge on July 10, 1924 and raised on the family farm in the Readymade district. She attended public school and worked the family farm, often hoeing sugar beets for her older brothers until marrying Michal Hazuda on November 21, 1946.
Having her own farm was Irene’s dream. In search of that dream, Irene and Mike worked as farm laborers, those darn sugar beets, until purchasing their first farm east of Coaldale in 1951. For the first time she hoed sugar beets for herself. However, this was not enough work for Irene and farm land was increased until her present farm in the Sunnyside district. On this farm, she never planted sugar beets. After seven years of sugar beets, the focus became family and two girls were born, Karen Mary in 1953 and Connie Jane arrived in 1956. In 1961, the family moved to Lethbridge where Irene worked for the Green Acres Foundation until she retired in 1989.
Following retirement, Irene now had time to work on her farm and finish farm projects. She was an active member and elder in the Southminster United Church for many years. Irene volunteered for the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen and joined the Lethbridge Senior Center, where she especially loved the members of the walking club. In 2021, Irene moved back onto the farm, with family, where she resided until her passing.
Having survived many of life’s trials and tribulations, Irene was almost unstoppable and a force to be reckoned with until the very end. Surviving cancer was particularly significant to Irene which led her to participate in several cancer charities over the years, for example the Relay For Life.
The stars in Irene’s sky were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She frequently enjoyed working with them in the garden or yard, or spending quiet time cuddled with on the couch with a game or book.
Left to cherish her memory are two daughters Karen (Ray) Brownlee and Connie (Hal Gallup) Schulz. Four grandchildren: Tom (Inna) Schulz (Vancouver), Brenton Schulz, Robyn Brownlee (Jordan Brown), Logan Brownlee. Four great-grandchildren: Zaidan Schulz, Peyton Brownlee, Isabella Mirkovich, and Parker Brown.
Irene was predeceased by her husband Michal Hazuda (married 51 years), all of her siblings and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, one son-in-law (Martin Schulz), some nieces and nephews, and many friends and colleagues.
Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, on Sunday, January 21st, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A short prayer service will be held at 6:30 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1104-4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, on Monday, January 22nd, at 10:30 A.M., with Reverend Carol Many Chief officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Irene’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Irene will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.
Guestbook (8)
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Connie, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom, I know how close you were to her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know she will be greatly missed by you all.
Our condolences to Karen, Ray and family on the loss of Irene. It is a sad time for the family but treasure your wonderful memories of Irene.
My sincere condolences Karen, Ray and family. Christ’s peace be with you all.
Karen and Connie, I am so sorry for your loss. Auntie Irene was a joy to be with, I remember her smiles and laughter lighting up a room. The little house on Dieppe welcomed all. I am sorry I will be out of town for work on Monday and unable to attend the service. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time.
Karen and Connie Your mom and dad have a special place in my heart! I was their little “Blondie” before you girls were born. Your dad called me that into my adulthood. We were farm neighbours north of Coaldale. When we came over for coffee, your mom always made Cinnamon Toast! To this day when I have Cinnamon Toast I think of her. She was such a friendly lady and genuinely happy to see you. What a great long life she had and left this earth on my birthday! May she rest in eternal peace with Mike. ♥️ Musch (Janzen) Eberwein
Irene was always up for a chat after church. I'll miss her presence at Southminster.
A dear woman, Irene obviously lived an abundant life that overflowed to many. Blessings to her family.
My heartfelt sympathy to all Irene's family. Irene was a wonderful and caring woman who had a loving heart, a beautiful smile, a deep faith, and a fabulous outlook on life. She always had something on the go and loved to have a visit when the opportunity presented itself. Irene always asked about my son, by name, when we saw each other. Irene lived her faith in every way and was active in her community of Southminster United Church. I don't think she missed an event and was always in the congregation. I am grateful to have known Irene. She has been a blessing in my life!