Iris Boehm (Slowski) passed away suddenly on January 5, 2016 in the Intensive Care Unit of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. Iris, a devoted and loving wife, was predeceased by Fred, her husband of 57 years. She will be forever loved and sadly missed by her children, Barry (Caroline), Sherry, Randy (Sonia), Heather (Carl), Brian (Tammy), Darcy (Ida) and Tracy (John); Grandchildren Justin (Nicole), Melissa (Chris), Kyla (Darrell), Ashley, Amanda, Chantelle, Colin (Carla), Evan (Ashley), Brittany, Shannan (Joey), Stephen, Zachary, Nicole, Liam and Danielle, and her great-grandchildren, Ella, Tahlia, Riley and Kennedy. Iris's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all brought her great joy and pride. She was the youngest of 11 children of Annie and Mike Slowski. She grew up on their farm just outside of Sheho with four sisters and six brothers. Along with going to school in Sheho and helping out on the farm, Iris discovered a love and natural talent for baseball. As a young woman Iris moved to Yorkton, met Fred and they soon married. Over the next 15 years they welcomed seven children into their family, keeping Iris very busy. At the same time Fred's carpentry skills led to many family homes that were built, moved into and sold over the years. Iris was a loyal and devoted partner that became a pro at packing and mobilizing while caring for and keeping a large family in order. She was a loving mother to her children and all the children's friends that came into her life. Many affectionately called her Mom, Baba, Mama Boehm and Auntie. This love and acceptance filled her heart. She was incredibly talented and creative. Anything Iris attempted, she mastered with ease. She was an amazing seamstress, made wool quilts, re-upholstered furniture, made leather crafts, knitted and crocheted, made fancy chocolates and did needlepoint. Most recently Iris started to machine knit. Like all of her other interests she approached it with passion and talent. She made items for family and friends and even sold her wares at the local farmer's market. Above all the other talents Iris held, she was the most amazing cook--and when she cooked, she did it big! Whether it was perogies or cabbage rolls, amazing bread, cinnamon buns or donuts or canning, it was always delicious and made with love. All of these ingredients came from a large garden she planted and tended with care every year. Iris and Fred also enjoyed a period where they went on casino bus trips with friends. It was a fun hobby that allowed them to do a bit of travelling. In 2004, after suffering a major stroke, Iris's positive outlook and fierce will allowed her to recover beyond doctor's expectations. She returned home for the next few years where she and Fred maintained a pretty independent life. Even after moving to the Gladstone Seniors Residence, Iris continued to enjoy trips to the casino, sleepovers at Sherry and Heather's houses, taking drives with family to see what was going on around Yorkton, being involved in cooking and baking work-bees. She always made sure everyone was pinching, sprinkling or rolling things to her high standard! Her personality and smile always lit up the room and all that met her quickly grew to love her. Although she is no longer with us, she will continue to watch over us and inspire us through all she accomplished in her life. Iris' family would like to thank the doctors and nurses in Emergency and Intensive Care at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre for her final care. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorkton, SK with Mr. Ray Yost officiating, assisted by Mrs. Margaret Ann Yost. The organist, Carla Laycock, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee", "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross". The readers were Iris' granddaughter-in-law, Carla Boehm and granddaughter, Danielle Albert. Iris was remembered in tribute and eulogy by her daughter, Tracy Albert. Following a reception in the lower level of St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Cremation Committal took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
