It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Iris Margaret Saunders on April 4, 2014.
Iris was born October 28, 1938 in Madson, Ontario. She was the devoted and treasured wife of Ken. She was adored and worshiped mother of her sons, Darryl, Dale, Dean and Kenny and by her daughter-in-laws Rebeca, Diana and Kim. Iris was a beloved Grandmother to nine grandchildren: Samantha, Stacey, Stephanie, Sophie, Tommy, Cassidy, Chase, Paul and Nicholas.
As Executive Director of EmployAbilites, Iris touched the heart and souls of thousands of people with the incredible devotion, concern and love she brought to helping everyone she met, especially those with disabilities.
A Visitation will be held between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2014 at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, 10011-114 Street, Edmonton.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2014 at Saint Thomas More Church, 210 Haddow Close, Edmonton.
Donations in Iris’s name can be made to EmployAbilites for the establishment of a bursary for individuals with disabilities, 4th Floor, 10909 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3L9. Please mark donations Attn: Faye Elliot.
Linda Hughes says
Although it was many years ago that we met in Edmonton, both families being newcomers to the city, we got to know Iris right away. she was so friendly and likeable and we knew she would accomplish great things with her family and husband as support. She remains a very clear and fond memory. Our condolences to all the family.
Michael and Linda Hughes
Neil Pierce says
Dear Ken & Family,
Iris was a beautiful lady in more ways that I can describe. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Iris was a dear friend and colleague for over 20 years and I will miss her dearly. She was such a shining light in my personal and work life and she accomplished so much . She was a true pioneer in the disability movement and a trusted partner of so many organizations that did some incredible work together.
We had so many good times together with you and Iris through our charity work in Thailand , through my time at the Canadian Paraplegic Association and now the MS Society, including the National work that got us out on the road to places like Halifax. We worked hard and had lots of fun. Susan and I always enjoyed the special moments we spent together as well and for you guys introducing us to the Symphony.
Take care my firend.
Love Neil & Susan
Norma Ricker says
Dear ken and family,
Bless each and all of you in the very difficult time, I will remember Iris as a wonderful giver of herself to others and her love for persons with disabilities. She will be missed dearly.
Chandra Sigamoney says
Dear Ken,
It was a great honor for me to work with Iris for the last 12 years at EmployAbilities. She has been a great mentor, motivator and a protector for me. I do miss her badly.
I will carry on the lessons she taught me and she will never be forgotten. Her constant encouragement and appreciation of my work at EA meant a lot to me. Yes the loss is great but the contributions she had made has been engraved in my and many hearts. Iris has blessed and touched many hearts.
May her rest in peace and my prayers are with you and the family – Chandra
Doris and Louie Guenette says
Dear Ken,
Sooooo sorry to read about Iris” passing. Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and your family at this time. Sincerely, Doris and Louie Guenette
Teren Clarke says
Dear Ken,
On behalf of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta), I want to send you and your family our heart felt condolences. Iris was well know and respected by our staff and any of our board members who had opportunity to meet her. Her leadership allowed her organization to be a willing partner with others in an effort to grow services to persons with disabilities. She will long be remembered as a friend and inspiring mentor and leader.
Sincerely,
Teren Clarke
Jim & Judy Buck says
Dear Ken, Darryl, Dale Dean , Ken and Families,
We were saddened to hear today from Jeff that you lost Iris. We remember her very fondly from our days together , both in the stores, as well as Montreal , and again in Edmonton.
She was such a kind and thoughtful person, inviting Judy to stay with you in Newfoundland, and we cherish the many occasions we shared in the years following.
Our hearts go out to all of you .
Jim , Judy , Jeff , John and Families
Rob McInnes says
I hope that your sadness at losing Iris will be tempered with a strong sense of celebration for her life so well-lived and laced with a rare quality of grace and love. Her professional work will live on in the individuals whose lives she changed – and in the ongoing labours of those who she mentored and inspired.
Georgina Shymko says
It is with a tremendous sense of loss that I bid my friend a wonderful journey. Our family”s condolences go to all those who have had the gift of her love. Her grace touched many. She left her mark with all of us.
Stacey Strilchuk says
My sympathies to Iris” family. I had the privilege of working with Iris in the late 90s at the start of my career with the Government of Alberta. She was leader who modeled the way and I always enjoyed my time and conversations with her. She will be missed.
Deborah Coulter says
On behalf of myself and my mother, the Hon. Senator Dr. Thelma Chalifoux (Ret.), please extend sincere condolences to the family of Iris. We were lucky enough to have known Iris since the early 1990”s when she attended and supported a new networking group we started for agencies who provide Aboriginal programming and had Aboriginal clients. Iris was a constant supporter for improving programs and services to Aboriginal people with disabilities, and her dedication and commitment were second to none. Even though in the last few years we hadn”t had that much time to get together as often, Iris always made me feel like we had just seen each other yesterday. In fact, I had a meeting set up with her for the afternoon on the Monday she collapsed, and was really looking forward to having a good visit with her, so it was quite the shock to hear of her passing. Our community is lessened by her loss, but her spirit and work will live on in the hearts and minds of the many, many people she helped in her lifetime. She was one special lady, and i”m sorry that i won”t be able to attend her funeral in person to say farewell. Please know how much she was admired, respected and loved by all who knew her – i was honoured and proud to call her my colleague and my friend.
Kindest regards,
Deborah Coulter
Mahenaz Layton says
Very sad to learn of Iris” passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Roxy and Mark Primeau says
We will always remember sharing special evenings and events with both you and Iris, Ken and we will be with you Monday to Celebrate Iris”s wonderful life.
Our prayer are with you and the family.
Roxy and Mark Primeau