Irene Thomas
1936 ~ 2026

Irene Thomas was born on July 7, 1936, in Tisdale, SK, and passed away on August 13, 2026, in Prince Albert, SK, at the age of 90 years. Irene grew up near St. Brieux, Saskatchewan as the oldest of three children, the daughter of Alexis and Marie (Basset) Fagnou.

She was a proud mother, loving wife, dedicated teacher, and proud member of her community. Throughout her life, the things she valued most – family, faith, music, education, and community – were woven together in all that she did.

As the big sister of Annette and Marcel, family was always an important part of her life. In 1960, she became the loving wife of Paul and then a devoted mother to Marylynne and Colin. She was also a proud grandmother to five grandchildren and was looking forward to becoming a great-grandmother.

She and Paul built a wonderful life together creating a lovely home and yard a mile from St. Brieux where they lived for 40 years. She took great pride in her large vegetable and flower gardens and was known for the care and attention she gave to her meticulously maintained yard. When she wasn’t teaching, she could often be found bringing hot suppers out to the field for Paul during harvest or helping feed hogs.

After obtaining her teaching certificate in 1955, she worked as a teacher for 28 years in Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and St. Brieux. She was a teacher to generations of students, including her own son and other relatives. She often shared memories of her former students, many of whom are now adults continuing to be contributing members of the St. Brieux community.

Church and music were also central to her life. Irene played both the piano and organ and shared her love of music with her students, her children, and her grandchildren. Music was a gift she carried throughout her life and generously shared with those around her, often playing for funerals and weddings.
Her commitment to community was evident in the many ways she became involved. She was particularly proud of having worked on the committee that opened a museum in the old rectory in St. Brieux, contributing to the preservation of the community’s history.

In 2001, she and Paul sold the farm and moved to Prince Albert, beginning another chapter of their lives together. There, she continued to fill her days with the things she loved: being involved in the church, singing with the French choir Entr’Amis, working out with her friends at Curves Fitness and bowling with Paul. In more recent years, they spent time together at their favorite coffee spot, Smitty’s, where they were known to all the staff.

She had a beautiful life, tended it with care, and shared it generously with those around her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 66 years, Paul Thomas; her daughter, Marylynne (Gerald) Beaton and family: Marc (Hannah) and Danielle (Adrianne); her son, Colin (Michelle) and family: Emilie, Ava, and Joel; her sister, Annette Fahl; her brother, Marcel (Juanita) Fagnou; her sister-in-law, Agnes Thomas and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by parents, Alexis and Marie (Basset) Fagnou; her in-laws, John Fahl, Joseph (Pauline) Thomas, Albert (Thérèse) Thomas, Jeanne Thomas, Marcel Thomas and Paul’s parents Jean and Louise (Ferré) Thomas.

Irene and Paul were fortunate to have spent the last two years living together at the Good Shepherd Villas in Prince Albert. The family would like to thank the staff of Good Shepherd for their excellent care of Irene.

The Funeral Mass for Irene will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 21, 2026, at St. Joseph Parish with Rev. Fr. Jim Kaptein. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/irene-thomas/165147.html . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2026-08-13
• Location : Prince Albert, SK