Irene Margaret Dudra (nee Frost)

November 12, 1932 – July 22, 2026

Sadly, we announce the passing of Irene in the evening of July 22, in North Vancouver. She died at her beloved home of 66 years, with her family at her side. Irene is predeceased by her son, David John in 1977, and her husband, Joseph in 1987. She is survived by her daughter Cynthia, her son Timothy (Rebecca), her grandsons Joseph (Mae) and Zachary Dudra-Saltel, and extended family.

Irene was born in Edmonton, Alberta to parents George Walter Frost and Violet Grace Frost (nee Quilley). Irene and her younger brother Walter, who predeceased her in 2018, had what Irene called “the best of parents”; the children never lacked for love or security. In Irene’s childhood, the family lived on a farm in Bowden, Alberta, which is where her love of animals and gardening was born. Her parents and Walter raised German shepherd dogs and Irene’s family always included at least one German shepherd until Irene’s later years.

After high school, Irene moved to Vancouver, BC. She was good with numbers and worked as a bank teller. It was in Vancouver that she met Joseph, and the two were married on July 21, 1956. The day before she died would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.

Irene was a mother to three, but a second mother to many. She was kind and generous, and made her home a welcoming place, where extended family, friends, and neighbours could visit and stay, or drop in for tea and a chat. There was much laughter, stories, and kidding shared in the Dudra home. Irene hosted Christmas Eve for the extended Dudra family for decades, and many fond memories of those gatherings will always be with us.

Tracing our family’s genealogy was one of Irene’s passions. She researched and compiled books filled with information, photos and documents about our ancestors and descendants on both sides of the family. Doing crafts and gardening were her hobbies. She was a member of Delbrook & Lynn Valley Garden Clubs, Trefoil Guild, and Widows Network, and made many treasured friendships over the years.

The family would like to thank the wonderful care aides we had from Greenstaff Home Care. We are very grateful for all that you did and for the kindness and care you gave. You eased Irene’s passing which is a gift of immeasurable value.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Irene’s home on Saturday August 22, from 1:00 - 5:00 pm.

If you wish to make a donation, in lieu of flowers, Irene regularly donated to the Union Gospel Mission and Covenant House in Vancouver.