Kalmyr Irene Valji, of Fredericton, formerly of Kenya, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 18, 2018 at the age of 85. She was born August 4, 1932, in Kitale, Kenya, where she grew up. She later moved to Australia but returned to Kenya before moving to Canada in the year 2000.

Irene liked to help others. During her early adulthood, she worked as a nanny, was a nursery school teacher and a homemaker. In Kenya, she served with the St. John Ambulance. Most importantly, she was the loving mother of five children (one of whom she had grieved) and she always put her family first. Irene was pleased to have 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren to love. 

She was a humble woman with a gentle, quiet spirit but stood her own if need be. She was content with what she had and tried not to hurt others.

She had a strong faith and served the Lord for more than 50 years. She often told her children stories and Bible stories and it was through her prayers and witness of living a consistent life of caring for others, that she directed her children to the Lord.

Irene enjoyed reading, loved church and going to Bible Study with the WMS group from Nashwaaksis Baptist Church. Her favorite chapter of the Bible was Psalm 23 because she truly believed "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" and her favorite verse was John 3:16 and her favorite song was "What a Friend We Have In Jesus".

She was a good cook who could make something from nothing. You often found her cooking meals for her "entire" family. Irene took care of her mom and appreciated her daughter Sheila taking care of her.

The daughter of the late Eva Boniface and Banji "Dhobie" Bania, she is predeceased by four brothers (Balu, Andrew, Rupert and Manglu), her sister Evelyn, chosen sister Lucy and her son Keran. 

Irene will always be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her son Sudesh "Peter" Valji (wife Gail) of Upper Kingsclear; daughters Sheila Valji (Fredericton), Veera Valji (Australia) and Anita Valji (Australia); 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She will also be remembered by her sisters, Lilie Walji (Fredericton), Dinah Fakirchand (Uganda), Santha Notay (Uganda), Nancy (England) and her brother Govind Bania (London, England).

With her journey here now over, she has gone to her eternal home with the Lord!!!

There will be no visitation, but a celebration of her life will be held Friday, May 25th, at 1:30 pm at the St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church at 1039 Regent St., Fredericton, NB with Rev. Doug Moore officiating.

There will be a "private family" burial at the Upper Kingsclear Cemetery with a reception for family and friends following the service at the Upper Kingsclear Baptist Church.

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made to the Samaritans Purse (or a charity of your choice) … 

Donations to Samaritans Purse can be made online at https://www.samaritanspurse.ca OR mailed to        Samaritans Purse        20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, AB T3J 5H5 

 

Arrangements tended by Bishops Funeral Home @ http://www.bishopsfuneralhome.com