I met Irene and part of her family: husband Erhard Dallmann and daughter Monalei Dallmann at Whatshan Lake Retreat when they attended yearly Music Festivals, every second weekend in July, upon an invitation from Florence (Morozoff) Markin, the wife of Irene’s relative Andrew Markin.
The family would get enthused with the music and were often seen dancing on the grass in front of the stage. This would encourage others to join in the fun.
Irene found that the founding society, Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999, that operated Whatshan Lake Retreat, was the type of philosophy that she approved and so she made financial donations to support the operation which was much appreciated.
This is an obituary notice regarding her passing May 29, 2019
“…..Irene (Filatoff) Dallmann
MAY 30, 1941 ~ MAY 29, 2019 (AGE 77)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, and Grandma/Baba/Oma, Irene Dallmann, of Creston, BC. Irene was born in Coaldale, AB, raised in Carseland, AB, graduated from Carseland High School and later pursued an education at Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB where she studied child psychology and social work. On June 10, 1961, Irene married Erhard Dallmann and together they had 4 children. The family moved from Calgary to Valleyview and At High Prairie she took nursing and graduated as LPN, afterwards working at Valleyview Hospital. In 2005 Irene and Erhard moved to Creston, BC.
Irene lived life to the fullest and pursued many hobbies and volunteer activities in the community – she loved ballroom dancing, fishing, boating, did hand-colouring of black and white photographs, hat millinery and resin art. She was musically talented and played multiple instruments including lead guitar, classical piano and accordion. She generously gave her time to many service organizations in Creston, including the Lion’s club, Rotacrest senior’s society (Pancake Breakfast), Heide club dances and event deÌcor for Octoberfest social dances.
Predeceasing Irene are her parents George and Lillian Filatoff, in-laws Herta and Albert Dallmann, and son Murray Dallmann. She is survived by her husband Erhard Dallmann, children Monalei, Jeffrey (Sandra) Dallmann, Michael (Renee) Dallmann, Granddaughters Tamara (Josh) and Tyneal Great-Grandchildren, Brother Lorne (Sylvia) Filatoff and Sister Marie (Harvey) Larsen and many other extended loving family.
A service for Irene was held Monday, June 3 at 10 am, at the G. F. Oliver Funeral Chapel, Creston, BC. A graveside service will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Creston Doukhobour Society, #306 800 Cavell St, Creston, BC V0B1G4…..”
I would have like to know Irene better but my personal involvement in volunteering at the festival did not permit me much time to visit with them and so this tribute is to honor her.
At the time of the funeral, I provided my regrets to Monalei as my medical condition was such that travel to Creston was not possible.
Let Irene rest in Peace where she will not suffer from the sickness that took her life.
Posted June 29, 2019 by Elmer Verigin.