Irene Hunter (Ukrintz) April 19, 1937-October 13, 2021 Irene peacefully passed away in Toronto after a brief illness complicated by dementia. Irene was predeceased by her loving parents Michael and Anna Ukrintz and her brother Larry Ukrintz, as well as her beloved husband Iain Hunter. Dear Mom to her three daughters Karen (Dan Glassco), Maria (Bill Chandler) and Paula Hunter (Tony DaSilva) and Grandma to Tyler, Ian, Hayden and Matthew. Irene is missed by her sisters-in-law Catherine Munro, Adrienne Hunter and Georgina Ukrintz. Irene will be remembered by family in Australia, western Canada and France. Growing up in Cooksville and attending Port Credit HS, Irene was known as an excellent student, receiving a full scholarship to U of T. There she studied Russian and French, eventually graduating with an Honours BA (‘58) and an MA (‘59). By then she and Iain had been married for three years and their adventures began. Irene often shared stories of working for the Defence Department in Ottawa as a Russian interpreter during the Cold War era. In 1962, Irene and Iain settled in the Toronto area of Moore Park, in a beautiful house by a large oak tree, where they would raise their daughters and celebrate many special occasions. Irene’s garden was often admired, as her passion for plants and wildlife became well known. Her interests led to her volunteering at the Toronto Science Centre and the library at Edwards Gardens. Irene’s lasting legacy will be her passion for spinning, dying and weaving yarns, as a long time member of the Toronto and Bracebridge Guilds of Spinners and Weavers and her involvement in the Toronto Textile Museum. Family and friends will always cherish her woven tea towels and incredible afghans. A private cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Irene would be honoured if you could support The Salvation Army, Ontario Nature or a charity of your choice. Irene was a lover of all books, reading the newspaper and listening to CBC radio. The family would be honoured if she was remembered while enjoying her simple pleasures.