Irene (Strelau) Rathbun

It is with love and sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Hildegarde Rathbun (née Strelau) on August 29, 2025 in White Rock, BC. Irene was born in Vancouver on October 18, 1937.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles Gordon (Gordie) Rathbun, her brother Eric Strelau (Gwen), and her parents Fredrick and Lydia Strelau. Irene will be deeply missed by her children Bryan Rathbun (Janet), Charlene Wilcock (Ernest), and Craig Rathbun, as well as her cherished grandchildren Thomas and Chris Rathbun. She is also survived by her brother Len Strelau and sister Linda Strelau (Sister Passionata). Irene lived a life filled with faith, friendship, sports and music. She built lifelong connections through Bethany Baptist Church, her years of teaching piano, and her passion for tennis. A gifted athlete in multiple sports in her youth, she continued to play tennis well into her seventies, sharing laughter and camaraderie with a special group of women. Irene will be remembered as a bright light, full of energy and optimism, whose natural beauty, radiant smile, and cheerful disposition touched all who knew her. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers, staff, and medical specialists at Westminster House for their exceptional care in recent years.

A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Bethany Baptist Church, 22680 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC. Interment at Sunnyside Lawn Cemetery,14850 - 28th Avenue, Surrey. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice or to an organization dedicated to Parkinson’s research. Irene was a dynamo in her youth, always brimming with energy and ideas, and she carried that vitality into every stage of life. In her final years, Parkinson’s brought many challenges, but she still found ways to smile and rarely complained. She will be remembered not only for her strength and beauty, but also for her unshakable spirit, her warmth, and the love she gave so freely.