August 18, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother Irene Malloff. With her family by her side, Irene passed away peacefully on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Kootenay Lake Hospital.
Irene was born in the Doukhobor village of Kamenoe in Brilliant, B.C. She was the second oldest of four children to parents George and Irene Anutooshkin. Her three siblings George, Violet, and Paul completed the family.
After Irene's father passed away at an early age, her mother persevered and raised her children with a strong work ethic and pride in their heritage. Irene's early life included swimming in the Kootenay River, riding bikes, making her own toys, looking after her younger siblings, and milking cows among other chores. Irene grew to understand the value of family, connection, and simplicity.
Irene attended a one-room elementary school where she learned to read, write, and speak in English. She had respect for her teachers and enjoyed playing various games with her schoolmates. Later, Irene attended Stanley Humphries Secondary School in Castlegar, B.C., where her interests included Physical Education, History, Home Economics and Drama.
Her athletic abilities were evident in her participation in basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. She also participated in various house committees.
Irene also participated in the USCC Union of Youth Executive and engaged in weekly Youth Locals, where her voice resonated in song and discussions. Her contributions extended to the Doukhobor Youth Editorial Board of Iskra magazine. Her commitment to the USCC remained unwavering throughout her life. She chaired or participated in many committees, sang in various choirs, and participated in Peace Walks.
Within these circles, Irene's path intertwined with that of Steve Malloff of Grand Forks, B.C., the love of her life and her future husband. Their shared values and interests flourished into a nearly 58-year marriage. They raised four children: Tamara, Yevgeny, Nikita, and Natasha in their rural home in Grand Forks.
Irene attended the University of Victoria Teacher's College and UBC, and subsequently, became an elementary school teacher. Her teaching of the Russian language played a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and identity.
Irene and Steve enjoyed travelling with their four young children in their Winnebago motorhome to many destinations including Yellowstone National Park, Disneyland, the Oregon Coast, and Saskatchewan. Irene also enjoyed travelling through the former Soviet Union, throughout Europe, along the Danube River, including visiting local Doukhobors in their villages in Eastern Europe. She also travelled to Hawaii and Mexico. Most recently, Irene made several trips with family to the Okanagan and to Gabriola Island.
Irene and Steve relocated to the Kootenay area from Grand Forks in 2005 to be closer to family. Irene cherished the time spent with her grandchildren that gave her so much joy: Tia, Lena, Bensen, Niko, and Marisa. Her love extended to her fur-grandbabies, Hank, Maslow, Katya, Mash-Mash, Kostya, and Coco.
Irene was committed to supporting the local community and loved spending time with her family and friends and preparing delicious meals. She hosted many celebrations including Birthdays, Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, and May Festival. She also loved gardening, reading, travelling, researching her family tree, foraging for mushrooms, and going for neighbourhood walks with her sibling-in-law, Judy.
Irene was predeceased by her parents George and Irene Anutooshkin, her parents-in-law John and Pauline Malloff, her sibling-in-law John Malloff, and her spouse Steve.
Irene is survived by her children Tamara Malloff (partner John), Yev Malloff (partner Shawna), Nikita Malloff (partner Taresa), Natasha Malloff and her dear grandchildren Tia and Nikolai Malloff, and Lena, Bensen, and Marisa Price.
She is also survived by her siblings George Anutooshkin (Nettie), Paul Anutooshkin (Judy), Violet Bondoreff (Gordon), and sibling-in-law Margaret Malloff and many nieces and nephews.
Irene leaves us with many cherished and wonderful memories, and a legacy of family, friendship, and community service. Though we are sorrowed to see her leave, she rests in peace with her beloved husband, Steve. Many thanks to family and friends who supported Irene and her family during this difficult time; your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement helped Irene in her journey.
Deep gratitude is extended to the doctors and nurses at Kootenay Lake Hospital, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, Castlegar Health Centre, and Castlegar Medical Clinic. Much appreciation to Peter Zaytsoff for his guidance and officiating the funeral service, Nancy Vanjoff in the selection of psalms and hymns, J.J. Verigin Jr. for his support, Thompson Funeral Services in Nelson for their assistance, and the Hume Hotel for the luncheon.
Interment was at Brilliant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the USCC (Iskra) or to World Vision Children's Fund.