The family invites you to watch the Celebration of Irene's Life. Please click here


Anna Irene Hogeland of Brandon passed away peacefully with family by her side on September 18, 2024 at the age of 99 years.

Irene is lovingly remembered by her daughters Donna Hogeland and Brenda (George) Froese; grandchildren Amber (Floyd) Ormsbee, Tara Shiloff, Tyler Shiloff, Justin (Elisha) Froese, and Jordan Froese; son-in-law Mike Bourgoin; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Irene is also survived by her sister Viola Smith, as well as by numerous nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband Mel Hogeland, daughter Carole Hogeland, son-in-law Peter Wesley, parents Dick and Velma Turner, and four siblings.

Born on August 22, 1925 on the family farm northwest of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Irene attended a one-room schoolhouse nearby. In 1943 at age 18, Irene enlisted in the Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) during World War II. She was stationed at Army Headquarters in Ottawa. Having proudly served her country, Irene was discharged in 1946. She met Army veteran Mel Hogeland and they were married in Vancouver, B.C. in 1947.

They returned to Brandon in 1948 and resided in Brandon and area ever since. Irene worked for 22 years at Simpsons-Sears, retiring in 1986. She and Mel purchased 40 acres north of the Brandon Airport, where they built a home they moved to in 1987.

Irene enjoyed being involved in her daughters' activities while they were young: Carole in tap and ballet lessons at Rosalie Boroditsky's School of Dance; Donna's competitive gymnastics and speed swimming at the YMCA, and Brenda's equestrian pursuits. She was also one of their leaders in Brownies, as Tawny Owl and Brown Owl.

For many years Irene curled in ladies' leagues and also with Mel in mixed leagues. She is a founding member of the Board of Directors at Riverview Curling Club. She also participated in five-pin bowling for several seasons. Irene joined the Prairie Oasis Cloggers in 1991 and was a member of the dance troupe that won first place in the seniors' talent competition at the Calgary Stampede!

For all six Gatherings of 1960s Brandon Girls between 2003 and 2023, Irene served as "Official Parent Chaperone", a fun-filled role she wholeheartedly embraced! Self-taught at playing the harmonica, Irene enjoyed performing on many social occasions and just for the fun of it!

Through the years, Irene and Mel travelled across Canada and to many points in the United States. After Mel's passing in 2010, Irene fulfilled a dream to visit Hawaii.

Irene moved to Riverheights Terrace in 2014 and made many friends there. In 2021, she moved to Dinsdale Personal Care Home where Irene's spirit and character endeared her to everyone she met! Irene frequently received compliments about her beautiful blue eyes, her friendly smile with ever-present lipstick, and earrings that always matched her coordinated outfits!

Irene's was a full and dedicated life that has left countless precious memories. A Celebration of Irene's Life will be held on October 1, 2024 at 4:00 p.m at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #3. Legion Rites will be performed to honour her military service, with Padre Chris Arthur officiating. All are welcome to attend.

Interment at Rosewood Memorial Gardens will take place at a later date. Memories Chapel is entrusted with Irene's funeral arrangements.