With sadness we announce the death of Irene Graff (nee Messal), who passed away on April 4th, 2024, only days from her 86th birthday.

Predeceased by her beloved Sister Lilli (Glaser), Mother Eugenia (Gerhardt), Father Wilhelm (Messal) and Stepfather Ludwig (Gerhardt). Irene is survived by her stepbrothers, many dear cousins, and lifelong faithful friends.

Irene was born in Poland April 18th 1938. Her family had a farm and operated a store. After WWII the family fled from Poland first going to East Germany and then quickly fleeing again with her family to Meppen West Germany. It was in Meppen where Irene attended and excelled at school and trained and apprenticed in secretarial and bookkeeping. Irene was multilingual, her parents providing and encouraged extra lessons to ensure Irene’s future success.

After the death of her father (Wilhelm), Irene and her mother immigrated to Canada arriving March 17th, 1957, where they joined her sister Lilli in Toronto. With the support of Lilli and other family members (uncles and aunts) they quickly settled into their new lives in Canada. Irene worked for Eddy Match Company, Toronto Hydro and other organizations while operating several of her own rooming houses. Eventually the management of these properties and other investments became her full-time occupation. She also worked on other business interests with her late husband. Irene proudly became a Canadian citizen and as part of the pride she worked very hard to own property in Canada. She was pleased that her business allowed her to assist new Canadians get started in their own businesses. Irene’s secretarial and bookkeeping training along with her organization and attention to detail were all talents key to her success in all her endeavors.

Irene was a truly kind and generous person. Irene was devoted, loving, fiercely loyal and supportive to her family and friends. She went beyond the norm to maintain and foster strong bonds in her family and friends. Irene was tireless at staying connected to family and friends and received joy and happiness in maintaining close contact with people not only close to home in Canada but also in Germany. Irene regularly returned to Europe to visit and looked forward to attending her class reunions in Meppen. Irene was prolific in maintaining her correspondence with family and friends, always noting their special occasions and in return enjoyed receiving the same.

Irene was a long-time member of the St George’s Lutheran church community (410 College St, Toronto) and enjoyed attending services and supporting the church.

Maintaining physical activity was especially important to Irene, she enjoyed her years of membership of The McGill Club. Later she participated regularly in yoga, tai chi, enjoyed walking, swimming, and regularly attending exercise classes at her retirement home.
Irene always spoke well of others and encouraged the best in the people in her life.

Irene embodied Matthew 7:12 “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Simply being around and knowing Irene made one a better person. Irene made all who were in contact with her feel special.

She will be sadly missed.

A private celebration of life and committal has been held.
Memorial donations in Irene’s honor can be made to St. George’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (410 College St. Toronto, ON, M5T 1A8) https://www.st-georges-lutheran.com/donate or to Diabetes Canada