Obituary of Irene Louise Epp

It is with immense sadness, but grateful hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Irene Louise Epp (nee Fast), on December 27, 2022, at the age of 84. Devoted wife of Henry W. Epp, (63 years), loving mother of Gary (Cindy) Epp, Joanne (Michel) Gagne and Kathy Epp. Awesome grandmother of Alex, Nicholas, Forrest, Faith, Sandy and Amy. Sister of Werner (& the late Marlene) Fast, John (Liz) Fast, Arnold (Elena) Fast, of Germany, sister-in-law of Abe Epp. She is predeceased by her mother Margaret Fast, father, Johann Fast, brothers Victor and Edward Fast (Germany). Mom is also survived by many nieces, nephews and several cousins.

Mom was born in Hamburg, Ukraine in 1938 and fled to Germany with her mother, siblings and several aunts and cousins and came to Canada in 1948, settling in Virgil.

Mom attended Niagara United Mennonite Church, where she met Henry Epp. They married in 1959 and first lived in Hamilton, where Gary was born and mom worked for the Magistrates Court. After a couple of years in Leamington, where Joanne and Kathy were born, they moved back to Niagara-on-the-Lake, buying the home on William Street. In 1969, mom & dad packed up the family for 3 exciting years in Ghana, West Africa, where her love of tennis began. After returning to William Street, mom began a career working for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which would span several decades, first as secretary to several Lord Mayors, the Planning Dept and later part-time in the Building Dept.

Mom was a devoted member of the Niagara United Mennonite Church, loved to sing in the choir, taught Sunday school and took part in the Ladies group. Mom was a member of White Oaks and NOTL Tennis Club. Many thanks to the dedicated staff at Upper Canada Lodge where she spent her last year.

Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 2, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m at the Niagara United Mennonite Church, 1775 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Funeral on Tuesday Jan. 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m., Niagara United Mennonite Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to MCC Canada or Alzheimer Society of Canada. Funeral arrangements by Tallman Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be livestreamed.   Click Here to be redirected to the Niagara United Mennonite Church YouTube channel.  The service will remain available for 7 days following the service.