Iris Marquis, 84

Iris was born in Minahico, Ontario in 1927. She was the youngest of eleven children, the last surviving member of the Gaudry family. Married to Phillip James Marquis, December 24, 1947, and before she was thirty years old became the mother of five children, Perry, Don, Dave, Paul, and Melanie, all surviving. During the 60s, Iris raised her family until they were either working on the Canadian National Railway or studying at college or university. As the youngest son, Paul studied English literature, while Melanie studied nursing. During the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Iris worked at Arctic Cat
Enter-prises, later at the Red Cross Hospital, and finally with Rainy River Home Support. Iris was an avid curler and a great admirer of the Lake of the Woods. She loved travelling the Lake on sight seeing expeditions and fishing. She had a lovely voice and participated in the Choir at the Lady of Good Counsel Church in Rainy River. She was a one time member of the Red Hat Society. Everyone who knew Iris will recall her witty sense of humour, her love of stories, and her appreciation of social gatherings. She was a long-standing member of the Catholic Women’s League. Iris also loved to travel, residing for short periods in Florida, Texas, and Arizona. She also enjoyed trips to Hawaii and to Mexico. Regardless of her travels, Rainy River was always her home. She believed wholeheartedly in the spirit of giving to others, of helping out when a hand was needed, and of contributing to the community. She will be sadly missed by her children, her grandchildren, Tyler and James, Natalie, Louis, and Jennifer, David and Sarah, Tiffany and Jana, and by her great grand children Josh and Kristian, Dani and A.J., and Rion, Zane and Cole. Iris passed away the 8th of May, 2012, at the Rainy River Hospital with her family by her side. A mass celebration of her life was held at the Lady of Good Counsel, Rainy River, Friday May 11, 2012, at 11:30 am.
Visitation was held from the church on Thursday May 10, 2012, from 7-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rainy River Locum Housing, in care of Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, Ontario, P0W 1E0. Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com