Over the past six months I have not written anything for my blog. This is because Irene, my spouse and beloved, was diagnosed in late November, 2023 with glioblastoma, an incurable type of brain cancer. I have spent the past six months nursing Irene. This week, Irene died. Her obituary follows.
Irene Oudyk-Suk passed away peacefully by MAID* on Thursday, May 9, with family and friends gathered around at her lakeside patio.
Irene is survived by John, her loving husband of nearly 45 years, and her children, William (Gillian Kupakuwana-Suk) of Kingston and David (Kate Benham-Suk) of Oakland, CA. She loved her grandchildren and was deeply involved in their lives: Dela, Tapiwa, Benjamin, Phoebe, and Linden. She loved Dela’s mother, Mariya.
Irene is also survived by her brothers John and George. She was predeceased by her father, John Oudyk; her mother Diane Flim; her stepmother Alice Broenink; and her brother Richard.
Irene’s parents were post-war Dutch immigrants who settled in Whitby, Ontario. Irene received a B.Ed. from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI and an MSW from the University of Michigan.
Irene was intensely aware of what a great difference intentional, loving, emotionally rich and open childrearing can make. She poured much of her life into raising her boys, and then welcoming others into the shelter of her home and family.
For the past twenty years Irene owned a very successful couples and sex therapy practice, Couples In Step. As a therapist, retreat leader, colleague, and mentor Irene was always in demand. Irene changed many lives for the better.
Irene was always happily involved with the church communities she was a part of. In Grand Rapids, she was the first woman in the Christian Reformed Church to chair a Classis meeting of regional churches. After moving to Kingston, she often spoke of how much she missed Lawrence Park Community Church (United), “her,” church.
After her glioblastoma diagnosis, a “Farewell Irene,” service was held at Lawrence Park Community Church, on January 20, 2024. The recording can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfdud41Ttc8. The family will gather for a private interment ceremony at Fallis Cemetery, near Bethany, Ontario, this summer.
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*MAID: Medical assistance in dying.
