Iris Lorraine (Perry) Webster

Died in the gentle care of Hospice Peterborough after a brief illness and now lives in bliss. Iris was born in Toronto to John and Gladys (Rowan) Perry, little sister to Jack (deceased) and Lillian (Docherty), stepdaughter to Margaret Smillie, big sister to her half-brothers (deceased) Roy, Robert (Bob), and Tom. Iris lived her life one day at a time doing the work in front of her and trusting in God’s goodness.

Born during the Great Depression, Iris helped her siblings in their father’s business selling produce door-to-door in Scarborough until, at the tender age of thirteen, she got a job with Eaton’s in downtown Toronto. She progressed through various departments until she found her way to Eaton’s accounts office. In the late 1950s she moved to help set up the accounts offices in London, Ontario. There, Iris met her “good man”, Tom. In 1961 they were married and, after the birth of their two daughters, Dawn (Donovan Browne) and Eva, they moved to Beatrice, Ontario. They lived there for 40 years, operating a small family farm through the early years with, over time, rabbits, cows, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens, many cats, a dog, a couple of goats, and a large garden that more than supplied the family’s needs. In 1979, she took on weather observations for Environment Canada continuing the local records that became some of the most important in the world for showing climate change. She sewed, she cooked, she baked, she embroidered, she crocheted, and she smocked. She worked hard through those years but still made time for family and anyone that was hurting could be assured of her attention and compassion. There were always flowers among vegetables. Iris’ final years were spent in Peterborough to be near family and became known for walking the neighbourhood with Eva in (nearly) all weathers.

An intensely private person, she avoided notice and often walked a half-step behind. She lived in and through the lives of those she loved, rejoicing in our successes, grieving our losses, and praying constantly. Her faith was simple, profound, and awe-inspiring! She had an unshakable trust in the love of God. She saw God in creation and loved it - the rocks, the trees, the skies, the birds, the animals (especially her dogs), even the sun glistening on the snow.

Her legacy is less in what she did and more in the lives she touched – individually, privately, almost secretly imparting her love of God and God’s love for us all.

A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church in Peterborough at 2 pm on Saturday, December 13th. In memory of Iris, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.