When Irma was 3, her family immigrated to Canada, settling in Culross, Man. She earned her RN degree at Grace Hospital School of Nursing, Winnipeg. Irma and Henry settled in Winnipeg. Irma gave herself to caring for a full house of children. Even through Henry was a busy doctor, Irma and Henry stayed deeply in love and made time for each other. They were also committed to showing their love for God by caring for others. Irma led a neighbourhood women’s Bible study. She welcomed many lonely people to her supper table and sent her children down the block to deliver fresh bread and produce in their wagon. Irma expressed her creative spirit by re-using materials and sewing coats (embroidered with “Stiches with Jesus”) to give away. When Henry was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Irma trusted God with the unknowns. Shortly after family moved to Morden in 1975, a house fire destroyed most of their belongings. As they received help from the town, strangers became friends. Irma made friends by attending a home Bible study and volunteering at the thrift store. She loved to be out in the garden to journal, write letters and read her Bible. Irma stayed in her house until 2014 when she was no longer able to live safely on her own.
