It is with profound sadness that the family of Irene Zofia Walewski announce her peaceful passing on March 14, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Irene will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 63 years, Kazimierz “Kaz”; daughter, Joanna (Tom); brother-in-law, Michał; nephews, Szymon (Anna), Mateusz (Anna) and their children; and other relatives and many close friends in North America and in Europe.

Irene was born in Warsaw, Poland, where she completed a degree in Chemical Engineering, and moved to Canada with her husband, Kaz, and daughter, Joanna, in 1981, settling in Edmonton. In 1992, after working for the Government of Alberta, Irene and Kaz established Waltech Associates, providing laboratory analysis of building materials and engineering consulting services.

Irene and Kaz built Waltech Associates into a thriving business providing services to some of Canada’s largest energy companies. Irene actively ran Waltech Associates until 2023, at age 85.

Irene enjoyed life. She and Kaz travelled widely well into their 80s, often with a close group of friends. Irene’s friends meant a lot to her, and she loved to host get togethers in her home and backyard. While she experienced challenges in the last year of her life following her stroke in 2023, she approached them with her usual focus and determination, and built a life for herself at Touchmark at Wedgewood.

Irene and Kaz were active in the Polish community in Edmonton. They have represented the Polish community at Government of Alberta events and have been guests of the former President of Poland, Lech Kaczyński.

Family and friends can say goodbye to Irene between 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Connelly-McKinley Downtown Funeral Home, 10011 – 114 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5K 1R5. A Celebration of Life will be planned for spring, and details will be provided separately when available.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Touchmark at Wedgewood, who cared for Irene in her last year of life and continue to care for Kaz. As well, express special gratitude to the staff at the University of Alberta Hospital, who provided excellent and compassionate care to Irene in the last three weeks of her life.

Memorial Donations may be made to the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Connelly- McKinley Downtown Funeral Home.