Irene Alice Wellar, a vibrant and deeply loved matriarch, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the remarkable age of 102 years young.

Born on August 9, 1925, Irene lived a full, beautiful life defined by hard work, community service, and a boundless devotion to her family. She is now reunited with her cherished spouse, Don Colclough, who predeceased her in 2009, and her loving son, Len, who passed away in 2018.

Irene's industrious spirit was unmatched. She began her career supporting others through the Canadian Red Cross. She later became a fixture of the local business community, spending over 50 years managing her own laundry and ironing small business, becoming a familiar and trusted face well known throughout Barrie and the surrounding communities.

Beyond her work and family, Irene was a pillar of community service. She dedicated countless hours volunteering for the Ladies Auxiliary of the ANAF 365 club. She also knew how to embrace the joys of life; Irene loved to cook and bake for those she cared about, enjoyed long, scenic drives with Don, and spent many years dancing and playing darts in local leagues.

Her legacy lives on through her surviving children: Ella Lusk(Keith), Shirley VanDusen (Mark Clarke), and Herb Wellar(Line Sorel). She was a cherished grandmother to Kevin, Chris, Ryan, Jim, Janet, Rob, Marie, Shelley, and Justin, and a loving great-grandmother to 14 children who brought immense joy to her later years.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Irene’s extraordinary life.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Basic Funerals – Jennett Memorial Centre, 152 Bradford St., Barrie, Ontario. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Following the service, Irene will be laid to rest at Thornton United Cemetery.

Family and friends are then invited to join together at the Thornton Arena for a reception, where memories of Irene can be shared over refreshments and in one another’s company.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make a generous donation to their charity of choice in Irene's memory.