Irene Zvaigzne (nee Rusko) was born in Ludza, Latvia on February 27, 1924.  World War 2 and occupation drove her from her homeland.  As a newlywed in 1951 she immigrated and settled in Canada.  She passed away quite suddenly at the Georgetown Hospital on October 6, 2020, after a long and full life of 96 years.

Irene has left her family with many warm and happy memories, insightful observations and sage advice.  She set a lasting example of selfless love and devotion, patience, perseverance, resilience and gratitude, and a positive outlook on life grounded on her trust in God.

She is fondly remembered and missed by her daughter, Ingrid Goetze, son-in-law, John, granddaughters, Lisa Goetze and Christine Parker and her husband, Andrew, and great-grandsons, Henry, Adam and Kenneth Parker;  and by her son, Peter Zvaigzne, daughter-in-law, Daina, granddaughter, Lara Zvaigzne, and grandson, Erik Zvaigzne.

A private, family burial was held on Friday, October 9 to lay Irene to rest beside her beloved, late husband, Adam Zvaigzne (1911 – 1972), at Mount View Cemetery in Cambridge.