Irene Mary Kneeshaw

KNEESHAW, Irene Mary (Peprnik) of Bracebridge, Ontario passed away Friday, April 24, 2026, surrounded by family, leaving us with so many beautiful memories and much love in our hearts. She was one tough, beautiful lady who endured and overcame a lot in the last few years.

Irene was born in Scarborough, Ontario in 1937, daughter to Czech-born Tony and Anna Peprnik, and younger sister to Henry Peprnik (Lynne). She grew up living on the Scarborough golf course, where her father was groundskeeper, not having electricity until the age of 10. She worked for several years as an office assistant, then met her husband, David Kneeshaw (deceased) on a blind date arranged by friends. They married in 1961 and purchased a home in Markham, Ontario where they went on to raise three adventurous and devoted sons, Dan (Audrey), Mark (Michelle), and Tim. She was also a beloved aunt to Jennifer and Holly. Later, Irene proudly became grandmother to Vincent (Roxanne), Antony (Heloise), Nathan (Leslie) and Mia, then eventually great grandmother to Aurèle and Saule. David and Irene relocated to Bracebridge in 2003, when David retired and became entrenched in the local community.

We will remember her most as we take family walks in the forest, hot summer swims, and canoe rides on the river. We will think of her when we hear the purple finch and see the hepatica and cardinal flowers. We fondly remember how she prepared for family get togethers, baking each person’s favourite sweet treat. She embraced traditions, especially our annual Czech Christmas meal. She loved nature and gardening and took joy in arranging flowers for church services. She was a pioneer environmentalist, recycling and composting well ahead of the rest of us. Her love for her grandchildren was evident in so many ways, including showing up each year with all the necessities for each to make and design their own gingerbread house. Irene spent many years dedicated to woodworking and was a proud member of the Markham Guild of Village Crafts. She enjoyed a good Rueban sandwich. Most of all, she loved to care for and spend time with her friends and family. Irene would say: anyways…. keep smiling.

Messages of condolence can be shared at www.reynoldsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Andy’s House in Port Carling, a warm, compassionate, and caring hospice where Irene spent her last hours surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22 in Bracebridge, contact family for details.