Nobody else held me so tight
Or made me feel so right
No one's eyes shined so bright with love
As my mom, who is now high above.
- Tamsen Butler
The world lost a mom but heaven gained an Angel, Irena (Irene) Strapac, age 84, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 28, 2025. She was born May 7, 1940 in Jarantowice, Poland to Maria and Michal Luszczak. After moving to Canada in 1973, She met and married Lovro Strapac in 1976 who preceded her in death in 2004.
For many years mom worked at the Port Arthur General Hospital in the Laundry facility where she made lifelong friends that she still kept in contact up until her death. Faith played a major role in my Moms life, she would be at every Sunday mass, plus a few throughout the week just to make sure God didn’t forget about her.
Mom was a dedicated mother first and foremost to her two children Kathy and Jon, she treasured them and embraced every moment with them. However, she especially loved her role as “Babcha” (Babcia) to her grandchildren or as she called them her “Millions” Hayden, Brady and Luke. Babcha was a staple at every family function with the hopes she would bring her famous potato salad or homemade perogies. Even though reminded numerous times during dinner to not feed the dogs, her fur-grandbabies would always be waiting by her feet under table knowing she wouldn’t listen to us.
Some people call gardening and flowers a hobby, Mom took it to the next level and made it a passion. Although known in East End for her kindness, generosity and compassion, her home became an attraction in itself, where people would come take pictures and admire her endless flower beds, gardens and trees. As time moved on, mom settled into apartment living in her later years, but she still took pride in her numerous beloved plants and flowers. Mom spent a lot of time with family and friends, going for coffee, walking to the park to feed her favorite crows, making perogies at the Church and Polish Hall, day trips to the border with her gambling girls, or being dressed by her own personal fashion stylist Kazie.
Words on paper could never explain how much she will be missed by her children Kathy (Jason), Jon (Jackie), Grandchildren Hayden, Brady and Luke. Sister Janka, Niece Linda (Kenny) Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins throughout Europe. Predeceased by her Parents Maria and Michal, Brother Walter (Maria) and numerous other Brothers and Sisters throughout Europe
A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Our Lady Queen Of Poland Roman Catholic Church, 93 North Algoma Street on Tuesday May 5th at 11:00 am with viewing to take place beginning at 10:00 am and burial to follow at the Mountainview Cemetery on Broadway Avenue.
Mom always gave generously to St. Mary Our Lady Queen Church and was a lifelong animal lover, so in lieu of flowers, please donate to the church, humane society or your favorite charity in honor of her.
We Love You Mom
Heaven’s Walk
It’s time for me to take the steps that lead to Heaven’s Gate
And with each step I’ll think of you and all the times we’ve Spent
I am going now to paradise where there’s only Love and no Pain
And I will wait until the time we see each other Again.
-Karen Ray
