STAPLES, Irene Helen

Passed away peacefully at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the
age of 84. Irene, beloved wife of the late Bill Staples. Loving mother of Karen Staples (Ralph
Tulipano) of Orillia, Thom Staples (Karen) of Burford and Deborah Cryderman (Guy) of Florida. A
loving grandmother (“Gram") who will always be remembered by Gabby & Anthony Tulipano,
Tyler, Matthew & Nicholas Staples and Cole & Grace Cryderman. Predeceased by her beloved
parents, Peter and Mary Bodak. Dear sister of Barbara Joan Weir (Malcolm) both predeceased,
Trudy Bodak of Richmond Hill, Donna Asmunt of Toronto, Peter Bodak (predeceased), David
Bodak (Hildi) of BC. Dear Sister-in-Law of Jim Staples of Callander (Verna, predeceased), and
Elinor Rousseau (Bud), both predeceased. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Donations to Soldiers Memorial Hospital through the Mundell Funeral Home would be
welcomed. A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at a later date.
Born in Nakina, Ontario, Irene attended Teachers College in North Bay Ontario and taught
Grade 1 in Hornepayne Ontario where she would meet her husband, Bill. As a wife of a
railroader, Irene, Bill and their three cherished children moved to Capreol, Bramalea, Washago
and Waterloo prior to Irene and Bill retiring to the Manitoulin Island where they enjoyed their
best years. Summers on the island were filled with time spent on their boat eating hot cross
buns and drinking coffee while catching salmon. As a lover of the outdoors and being active,
winter days on the island were happily spent snowshoeing, cross country skiing and
snowmobiling.
As they grew older, Irene and Bill moved to Orillia where they never missed their grandson’s
hockey games or their granddaughter's skating competitions. Irene and her sister Trudy also
loved traveling to different countries and this love of travel was passed on to her family who
would bring home fridge magnets every time they left the country for Gram to proudly display
at home.
Irene’s greatest joy in the past few years was talking to her grandchildren who she was so
incredibly proud of. Her face would light up every time she talked to each and every one of
them.
We would like to thank all her friends at Victoria House, especially Leonne, for making her last
few months memorable as well as the wonderful staff at Victoria House for their assistance. We
would also like to thank the incredible staff on Harvey 2 at Soldiers Memorial Hospital for
making her last days on this earth as peaceful as possible. Irene/Mom/Gram will live on forever
in our hearts, memories and stories as she rests in peace.