On February 27, 2024, Elizabeth passed peacefully at Hospice Simcoe, Barrie, surrounded by her family.  Elizabeth was born in Pembrooke, Ontario, to Georgina Cloy (Sanders) Irvine and John Priestly Irvine.  She was the older sister to Ian David Irvine.  In her early years, she lived in several different countries and cities, settling in Barrie, Ontario in 1971.  Her father passed in 1974; her mother passed in 1985. Elizabeth graduated from Georgian College’s Fashion and Marketing program in 1977.

On July 26, 1980, Elizabeth married her best friend and love of her life, Ben.  They welcomed three sons and one daughter: Robert (1981), Michael (1982), David (1984), and Jessica (1987).

Elizabeth loved her family and took great joy in being a mother and a grandmother.  Some of her favourite memories were spending time with her family and grandchildren, enjoying the outdoors, camping, and doing crafts with them.  Her other favourite hobbies and activities included knitting, horseback riding, weaving, walking through Lackie’s Bush with the dogs, which she loved immensely, and visiting family on the West Coast.

Elizabeth loved travelling.  One of her fondest memories was camping across Canada with her family.  She also loved seeing the world and visiting different countries with her husband and friends. Elizabeth was prominent in the knitting community and owner of local yarn shop Eliza's Buttons and Yarn.  She started the Barrie Knitter’s Guild with the help of her friend Joan Thompson.  She self-published a pattern book, and continued to design and publish independently, as well as for different yarn companies and magazines.  She was an international knitting teacher and continued to teach at her store, as well as at annual retreats.

Elizabeth lived by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would do unto yourself.” She also came to like a newer saying: “When you are born, you’re given two numbers, but it’s the dash in between them that matters.”  Her favourite poem was ‘Footprints in the Sand’, her favourite song was ‘Forever Young’, by Bob Dylan, as sung by The Tenors, and her favourite flowers were daisies.  Elizabeth is remembered by her family as always being there for them and supporting them throughout their lives. She will be greatly missed everyday, but her memory and wisdoms will never fade away.

 

“May God bless and keep you always. May your wishes all come true.

May you always do for others, let others do for you. May you build a

ladder to the sky, climb on every rung and may you stay forever young.”

-Forever Young, Bob Dylan

 

Elizabeth’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. George's Anglican Church, 9 Granville St, Barrie, ON

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Simcoe or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.

CONDOLENCES

27 Condolences
  • Emil and Corine Magnusson
    Posted on: Thursday, February 29, 2024 Reply

    Our families became friends through our children playing soccer. It was such a pleasure to see our children grow up and even-though our lives became busy Liz has a special place in our heart. Our deepest symphaties to Ben and the children. That God will give you strength and peace in the difficult time ahead. She will be missed but lives on in our hearts through beautiful memories ❤️

  • Carol Tomany
    Posted on: Thursday, February 29, 2024 Reply

    This is so very sad. I have known Elizabeth through the knitting community for many years. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you through all your grief and she will be in my thoughts often, as well. She was a lovely person.

  • Wendy kelcey
    Posted on: Thursday, February 29, 2024 Reply

    Oh I’m just so saddened to read of Elizabeth’s passing. Over the years we shared many stories of our families, grandchildren and life in general. When the store was sold, I ran into her occasionally, and we had a good catch-up! I missed her and the times we shared.
    Yes she was an awesome mom and grandma! I know because we talked and shared so much about them. She was so excited when she bought Ben the tickets to go see Elton John!!! So special!
    You will all miss her so much and my heart goes out to the whole family.
    Rest in Peace Elizabeth! 💕
    Wendy Kelcey

  • Gayle Clow
    Posted on: Thursday, February 29, 2024 Reply

    I’m so sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s too early death.
    I knew her through knitting retreats and will fondly remember the years of YOSO weekends, teaching, knitting, talking, enjoying with her.

  • Suzanne & Phil Deschenes
    Posted on: Thursday, February 29, 2024 Reply

    Ben, Dave, Robert, Michael David & Jessica – with heavy heart we extend our deepest sympathies to the Falone/Irvine families. If it wasn’t for Liz, and her life-long friend and love, Ben, I would not be able to call her brother a true friend. Thanks for letting me crash on your family room floor. May God bless you, keep you, and bless your family with strength and hope in these dark days.

  • Barb Kearns
    Posted on: Friday, March 1, 2024 Reply

    I’m so thankful for the time we shared. You taught me how to knit & made me part of your knitting community. You will be greatly missed. Keeping your family & friends in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.

  • Jonty Hart Sharp
    Posted on: Friday, March 1, 2024 Reply

    I was able to spend time with Elizabeth at several YOSO knitting retreats. It is hard to believe that a person so vibrant and fun-loving has left us so soon. My sincere condolences to her friends and family. Her loss will definitely be felt within the knitting community.

  • sshirley monger
    Posted on: Friday, March 1, 2024 Reply

    Deepest condolence to Ben & family .the door never closes to al our memories.

  • Mirian and Giancarlo Sansalone
    Posted on: Friday, March 1, 2024 Reply

    Dear Ben, Robert, Michael, David and Jessica our hearts break at this crushing news. Shocked and saddened and searching for the “why” we extend to you our tears and our prayers as you navigate the road ahead. We need all live by her Golden Rule: be kind and caring to all as you would want others to be to you in return. Her newer saying speaks to her beautiful heart and positive outlook on life. It is not the number of years we live on planet earth that matters. It is how we live in the time we have. It is wonderfully clear that the years between the date she was born and date she was born to eternal life were spent loving her husband, children and grandchildren with all her heart, exploring the world through a lens of gratitude and staying true to her values of courage and righteousness and humanity. “Rest in paradise sweet Elizabeth, God’s kingdom is yours.” Mirian and Gian Sansalone

  • Joyce MacKenzie
    Posted on: Friday, March 1, 2024 Reply

    Dear friend I’m going to miss you. We shared many good times and memories. Rest easy.
    Dear Ben and family my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Jeff and Sharon Flanagan
    Posted on: Saturday, March 2, 2024 Reply

    Ben and family – We are so very sorry to learn of Liz’s passing. Snapshots of moments at the curling club are coming to mind and bringing warm memories. Sharon remembers being startled to run into her on the GO Train platform at the crack of dawn one day a few years ago. She was heading into the city for a master knitter’s gathering. Such talent. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

  • Carol McLuhan
    Posted on: Saturday, March 2, 2024 Reply

    My deepest & sincere condolences to Ben & his family. May time & fond memories help heal your pain at this most difficult time. I have wonderful curling memories with Liz & Ben.

  • Arlene Mercer
    Posted on: Sunday, March 3, 2024 Reply

    Fondly remembering Liz, got to know her at her store, so enjoyed her friendly personality , her knowledge and her helpful patience in sharing her skills.

  • Catherine Frans
    Posted on: Monday, March 4, 2024 Reply

    Dear Ben, Robert, Michael, David, Jessica.
    I am shocked and saddened apon reading of the passing of Liz, My thoughts and prayers are with each of you 🙏.
    Hold tight to your many memories, they never really leave us, they are always in thoughts and on your mind. My you find peace and strength in the day and weeks .

  • Tim and Dianne Collyer
    Posted on: Monday, March 4, 2024 Reply

    Rob and family.
    Thinking of you at this difficult time.
    You are all blessed to have had such a loving and talented Mom and Gram.
    Lots of good memories to hold tight.
    Our Sincere Condolences

  • Celeste Irvine-Jones
    Posted on: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Reply

    Chris and I are so very sorry to hear about Elizabeth. She is gone way too soon. Our heartfelt condolences to Ben, Robert, Michael, David and Jessica, and to David and his family. When our Grandmother and Uncle Jack (Elizabeth and David’s father) were alive, we spent many wonderful family visits together. I hope your loving memories of Elizabeth will help sustain you and your families during this time.

  • Debbie Simpson (Cameron)
    Posted on: Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Reply

    My heart felt condolences to the family.
    Liz and I went high school together. Liz was a force of nature and I have many happy memories of Liz. We lost touch when I moved to BC in 1990, however connected later on Facebook.

  • Rick and Tamara Schaly
    Posted on: Thursday, March 7, 2024 Reply

    Our sincere condolences for the loss of Elizabeth.
    Your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

  • Evelyn Ansley
    Posted on: Friday, March 8, 2024 Reply

    So sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s passing. Many fond memories from her knitting classes. I always had troubles with my knitting . Elizabeth was always patient and kind. She never made me feel badly. Rest in peace Elizabeth. There will be a new knitting group starting up above. God Bless. Evelyn Ansley

  • Donna Cooper
    Posted on: Friday, March 8, 2024 Reply

    Deepest condolences from your friends at the Barrie Curling Club. We will always remember Liz for her warm smile and upbeat personality.

  • Laura Leach
    Posted on: Friday, March 8, 2024 Reply

    I am so sorry to hear of Liz’s passing. My thoughts and best wishes are with Ben and the family. So many great memories at the curling club and outside activities. Liz was a wonderful person and loved her family dearly. She will be greatly missed! Xo

  • Caite Harvie-Conway
    Posted on: Saturday, March 9, 2024 Reply

    My sincere condolences to the family. I will forever be grateful to Elizabeth for sharing her fabulous wealth of knowledge about yarn and knitting techniques with me. She was a kind and patient teacher. I will miss her.

  • Gayle & Al McKenna
    Posted on: Saturday, March 9, 2024 Reply

    Ben and Family. We were so saddened to hear of Liz’s passing. As we all know, she was taken far too early but the more we know about her we now realize that she spent her time living life to it’s fullest. She was highly regarded by her family and friends throughout her life. She was a true pleasure to curl with and against. Her smile has brightened up many peoples days and our memories of her will continue to do so in the years to come. We will miss you Elizabeth.

  • Marian England (Nysten)
    Posted on: Saturday, March 9, 2024 Reply

    Condolences to the family. Met Liz on grade 9 at central. Spent a summer together as camp councillors for Simcoe County, which was a really great summer with many great memories. Reconnected at her knitting store years later. She found her place helping people in her store for sure. She will sadly be missed.

  • Stephen Flude
    Posted on: Monday, March 11, 2024 Reply

    Ben, I was so saddened to hear about Liz. I really enjoyed chatting with her and I will treasure the unique curling sweater she knit for me.

  • Carla Noseworthy
    Posted on: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 Reply

    My condolences, Ben, to you and your family. I was saddened to hear of Liz’s passing, and I will certainly miss her smile and chats after a game at the curling club.

  • Kim Hume
    Posted on: Monday, March 18, 2024 Reply

    I’m so sorry to learn we’ve lost Elizabeth! I met Elizabeth through Yarn Over Sleep Over and was so grateful to her that she continued that knitting retreat at the Fern Resort after the lockdown, as Fibre at Fern. She was always herself – unabashed and straightforward with a mischievous twinkle. She was so organized and talented and I am saddened that we’ve lost her too soon. Sending love and comfort to the family and to her extensive fibre family.

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