Irene Whyte (née McAlpine), and for over 30 years, Irene Cizikas, before the death of her husband, Vince, in 2016, and “Greenie” to her grandkids when they were little, passed away peacefully at her home in Lynden on July 23rd, 2025.

Petite, blonde, and tough as nails (hers always beautifully manicured), Irene was Scottish to the core. She fought a years-long battle with cancer to the bitter end. William Wallace, that Braveheart guy, had nothing on her.

Born and raised in Paisley, Renfrewshire, just west of Glasgow, in 1950 to Jenny and Hugh, she was a sister to John, Janet, Betty and Marion. Irene trained as a hairstylist from the young age of fifteen and brought her considerable skills to Canada in 1973 when she emigrated with her husband, Will, and their young son, David. When he was born, she took one look at her red-headed dumpling and thought, “Well am nae daein thaat again!”

An independent business woman, Irene opened her own hair salon in the 90s called Kuts For Kids. She often didn’t need a salon, though, to fix your terrible haircut. Anywhere would do, kitchen, living room, or back deck. Irene, and her scissors, were always sharp and at the ready.

Irene was also an amazing gardener (weeds never had a chance), flower arranger (fresh from the garden, of course), cook and preserver (Her dill pickles were the best. Sorry, Mr. Bick). 

At home she seemed to take literally the saying “You can eat off the floors.” But why would you want to when she had set the most beautiful dining table for special occasions and non-occasions alike? Life was to be celebrated, even on a Wednesday.

Always a wee bit of a glamour girl, Irene loved to put on both her face and a frock and go party. If it involved Rod Stewart, haggis, tartan, dancing, and a cold glass of white wine, so much the better.

Irene was a loyal friend, sister, and aunt. Friends were made in all of the many places she lived throughout Ontario. Her best friend was Nancy, for over fifty years, much of that time, long-distance, but no matter. Thick as thieves doesn’t even begin to describe these two. True friendship like true love endures. Someone who wasn’t a friend or even an acquaintance was Brian Cox (the scientist, not the actor). She hated him. Was it his haircut? We’ll never know. (Sorry, Dr. Cox).

As an animal lover, many cats and dogs accompanied Irene throughout her life, including Sandy, the ginger cat, and other beloved felines: Kate, Meg and Nellie, as well as dogs: Blue, Ladybird and crazy Bart. All were much doted upon and much yelled at. Grey, her last and perhaps favourite kitty, sadly passed away mere days before Irene, a fact that she will never know. Grey, as far as she is concerned is still out in the yard chasing chipmunks and entertaining the neighbours. It’s true what they say about timing.

A great history buff, Irene read voraciously those small print, five hundred page tomes on every known and obscure character from the past, particularly the monarchy. The early Scots and the Victorians always captured her imagination. She didn’t have as much time for this latest bin-bag of royals; Charles III was no match for Charles I in her estimation. Irene would have been a terrific history teacher.

Cancer is a beast. It takes away so much and causes so much hardship. Cancer, though, did not know who it was messing with when it decided to torment Irene. Tiny but mighty, she never once gave in to it. She fought it with everything she had. She made every moment as memorable as possible. She didn’t take life for granted.

Many outstanding people helped with Irene’s care from the time she was diagnosed with breast cancer to her very last moments, in particular, the amazing nurses at the VON, the many PSWs, Dr. Peter Ellis from the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Dr. Bernadette McNeil, and Dr. Carol Gideon, doctor, landlady extraordinaire, and above-all, wonderful friend to Irene. David, her son, Jayne, her daughter-in-law, and Arthur, her partner, would like to thank all of them for providing comfort, understanding, support and respect to this feisty lady who was so full of fun, snark, gossip, bossiness and laughter. She was Irene, always. We will miss her terribly. 

So, like the hit song says, from the year you were born: 

Goodnight Irene, Goodnight Irene, 

We’ll see you in our dreams.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St, Dundas, ON on September 14th, 2025, 2-4pm. 

In lieu of flowers (even though they were her passion) a donation to the Victorian Order of Nurses would be very much appreciated.