Irene Patricia Crawford-Siano

In her 99th year, Irene Patricia Crawford-Siano passed away peacefully after a remarkable life, on May 28 at Woodingford Lodge. She is leaving behind a legacy of words and a deep-rooted love for her community and family. A lifelong resident of Woodstock, Irene was born on January 1, 1927 and was the daughter of Fern Monk.

A true trailblazer for women during her early life and a passionate writer, Irene’s words graced over 100 periodicals and newspapers across Canada, the US and England. She wrote stories for broadcast on CBC Radio, co-authored a play, and for 10 years, she lent her wisdom to the London Free Press with her column “Senior Side of Living”, proving that age was just another good story waiting to be told.

Her books, some of which are housed in the Canadian National Library, include Ever Vigilant: The History of the Woodstock Police Department, Journey to Perfection: The Agricultural Art of Ross Butler, A Tradition of Caring: The History of Woodstock General Hospital, and Reading, Riting and Roses: A Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Saturday Reading Club. Each book captures pieces of the heart and history of Woodstock and surrounding area, but perhaps most incredibly, at the age of 96, she self-published her final book, By the Seat of His Pants, which is nothing short of inspiring.

In recognition of her contributions to writing and community service, Irene was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2022.

Irene was predeceased by her first husband, Alvin (Tony) Crawford in 1992 and later by her second husband, Alfred Siano. She is survived by her four children: Jim (Vic), Alvena Roulston (Bob), Dave (Lillian) and Gerry (Jill). She was lovingly known as “Grammy” to her 12 grandchildren: Jeff, Shawn, Andrea, Rob, Lee, Ben, Ryan, Rob, Renee, Janna, Courtney and Lindsay and 24 great-grandchildren, each of whom added chapters to her greatest story: her family. She also leaves behind her honourary family, Marie Hughes and her children Shari, Del and Nathan.

Irene found joy in her church life. She and Tony were two of the first members of St. David’s United Church. She enjoyed quiet Sunday drives, especially down back country roads that reminded her of simpler times. She met every Christmas dinner with the same determined spirit and, as her children and grandchildren lovingly teased, an unwavering talent for serving “burnt offerings”.

She was sharp, independent, endlessly curious and known for her quick temper that matched her fiery red hair. A familiar name in the community, Irene touched the lives of many in Woodstock and beyond. She will be missed deeply.

The family is grateful to the staff at Woodingford Lodge in Woodstock for their exceptional care of Irene.

Friends will be received at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, on Sunday June 1 from 1pm-1:45 pm. Funeral Service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 2pm, with a reception to follow. Private interment at Oxford Memorial Park Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Woodingford Lodge, to St. David’s United Church or to a charity of one’s choice.