DRESSER
Iris May
1943 - 2021
Iris May Dresser (Wright) was born May 8, 1943 in Calgary, AB. She was raised in the Ogden neighbourhood. She earned her teacher’s diploma and in 1967 a degree in education, before a teaching career that included positions in Banff, Calgary and Edmonton mostly teaching elementary.
In 1972, she married Wayne and moved to their farm near Carbon. Their daughter Jennifer was born in 1974 and Glen followed in 1977. Iris was a full-time homemaker and volunteer extraordinaire. She entered into the spirit of farming, looked after the farm books, helped with calving, driving combine and all the other behind the scenes responsibilities that go with running a farm. Iris spent many hours cooking and baking. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and other handi-crafts, with her namesake flower frequently featured in her projects.
Friendly and outgoing, she dedicated herself to a wide range of activities and community service in Carbon. She was the organist at Carbon United Church from 1980 until it closed in 2014. Over the years she led junior and senior choirs at church, led vacation Bible schools, participated in the United Church Women, was on the Kasota East Camp board, led Girl Guides, was part of the Carbon Community Centre Board for 20 years and taught adult literacy. After her children graduated from school, Iris volunteered in the school, taught piano and tutored. She enjoyed participating in community theatre and anything involving music.
In contrast to the busy life she led in town, she also enjoyed the peace and tranquility of life on the farm, and loved opportunities to be out in nature. Iris and Wayne had opportunities to travel together, across North America and to Europe and New Zealand. Iris loved
being a grandparent to Finley and delighted in spending time with him and playing together. Iris had a zany sense of humour and was often lively and boisterous, and loved to tell stories. Unfortunately, Alzheimers became a challenge for Iris and in 2016 she moved to long-term care. She died peacefully, with her love Wayne at her side.
Iris was predeceased by her parents Edith and Elgin Wright, her sister Eileen and brothers Gerry and Warner. She leaves behind her husband Wayne, daughter Jennifer (Roland), son Glen (Janine) and grandson Finley, in-laws Bob, June and Louisa and many nieces and nephews that she adored.
Donations may be made to Knox United Church (Drumheller) memorial fund, Rosebud School of the Arts, Drumheller Area Health Foundation—Continuing Care.
A private family service will take place on Saturday, November 13 at 3 pm. Extended family and friends are invited to join the family by zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89715957704 to view the service. A gathering to celebrate Iris’s life will take place at a future time.
Courtney-Winter's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 403-823-2666.
