Our dear sister, aunt, and friend, Irene W Klassen, was born February 23, 1935, to David H and Margaret Wiebe Klassen at Steinbach, Manitoba. She peacefully went to a better place on October 31, 2013, after a brief illness. At a young age she had rheumatic fever. This affected her, leaving her mentally challenged for life. She was a lover of animals and a hard worker. Her nieces and nephews were dear to her and Christmas and her birthday parties were the highlights of her life. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on December 7, 1952, by Min. John A. Koehn. She and her brother Leonard lived at home with her mother as long as her mother was able to look after her. She added spice to life wherever she lived and we appreciate the various families who took her in. She moved into the Maplewood Manor in 1983. This was her home for nearly 30 years. We as a family appreciate the care of the dedicated staff there. We are also grateful for the many years that Gladwin & Irma Barkman were responsible for her. As long as she was able, she enjoyed summer outings to her brother Jack's farm. She loved going shopping and buying gifts for her dear ones. A recent special memory is that she was able to go out for a wiener roast at her sister Linda's place in September. Her time spent at Kindale Occupational Centre and later at Envision gave her a sense of self worth. "Going to work" was very important to her. When she could no longer go to Envision, her friends from there would visit her at the manor. Those left to cherish special memories are her brothers and sisters: Jack and Norma, Birnie, Manitoba, Clifford and Bertha, Stratford, Ontario, Linda and Frank Toews, Leonard, Katherine and Dave Skoglaund, Steinbach, Manitoba; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents and a 9 month old sister, Dorothy. Viewing will be held on Monday, November 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of God In Christ, Mennonite, Steinbach, Manitoba. Viewing prior to service. Interment to follow at the Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, Manitoba. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Irene may be made to enVision Foundation (2012) Inc, 84 Brandt Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 0E1.