Irene Margaret Laycock (née Ruttan) died peacefully at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, Bracebridge on May 9, 2008 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Irene, with her husband, Wilfred (deceased), resided in Gravenhurst where they raised their six children, Pat, Valerie, Glen, David, Nancy and Cathy. She was known for her excellent baking skills, especially her butter tarts. When the children started leaving the nest, Irene took her first trip overseas to Malta. After that, there were trips to Cuba, Hawaii, Bahamas and of course, Las Vegas and Reno. She also enjoyed a road trip out west with her brother Ken Ruttan and his wife Dorothy as well as her sister Grace Stoner (deceased).

Irene’s life was totally devoted to her children and their families. She spent countless hours teaching her granddaughters how to knit and crochet, and she never grew tired of listening to the tales of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Irene enjoyed the Seniors Centre in Gravenhurst and took part in many card games, like euchre and bridge. She also enjoyed playing shuffleboard and travelling to different communities to compete. It’s safe to say that Irene had a full and fruitful life.

The Laycock family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to all those people and organizations for their assistance in their mother’s care.

There will be visitation at the W.J. Cavill Funeral Home on Thursday, May 15 between 7 and 9 p.m. A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at the W.J. Cavill Funeral Home on Friday, May 16 at 11 a.m., with interment following at Mickle Memorial Cemetery, Veterans Section. Everyone is welcome to join the family at the Gravenhurst Legion for refreshments and remembrances.