Irma Mina Bourassa

Long-time Yukon resident Irma Bourassa passed away on August 10, 2024, in Whitehorse, Yukon. Now we have two angels in heaven as Mom joins her husband Leo.

Born on December 31, 1930, in Middle Lake, Saskatchewan, Irma was the eldest daughter of Ernest and Babetta Praeger. She grew up with two sisters, Betty Hart and Helen Rheaume.

Irma’s teaching career began at just 17, in a one-room schoolhouse in Saskatchewan. Her adventurous spirit led her to the Yukon in 1953, where she traveled by cruise ship on the Princess Louise to Skagway and then by the White Pass train to Whitehorse. She taught grade 4 at Whitehorse Elementary School from 1953 to 1965 before moving to Christ the King Elementary and Christ the King Jr. High, where she served as the teacher-librarian until her retirement in 1984. Irma was a founding member of the Yukon Teachers’ Association, dedicating many years to its executive.

Irma married Leo Bourassa on January 15, 1954, at Sacred Heart Church, and together they shared 70 years of marriage until Leo’s passing on December 3, 2023.

The Bourassa home was a welcoming hub for neighborhood children and visiting sports billets. She always made it a point to welcome everyone into her home.

Irma curled at the Takhini Curling club and was on their executive for many years. She and Leo enjoyed going to bonspiels throughout the territory.

She also served as a First Aid instructor with St. John Ambulance and was honoured with the Order of St. John by Governor General Ed Schreyer for her dedicated service.

Every Saturday, the Bourassa house was marked by the aroma of fresh-baked bread, which drew friends eager to enjoy her fresh baked delights. Irma and Leo cherished time at their cabin at Marsh Lake, where they hosted friends from around the world and Irma prepared wonderful dinners for guests who arrived at the last minute.

A gifted gardener, Irma’s philodendron and ivy plants were the pride of her home. Her gardens at Marsh Lake yielded bountiful produce.

Irma’s 1968, turquoise Firebird, has remained her pride and joy and caused heads to turn every time it was driven to town.

Irma’s crafting skills, including embroidery, cross-stitch, and rug hooking, were renowned until her eyesight began to fail.

After retirement, she and Leo explored the world, with photo albums capturing their adventures across every continent, except Antarctica.

Irma is survived by her children, Ernie Bourassa and Karen Barden (Bourassa), three grandchildren, Brett Barden, Rhianna Oygen (Daniel), and Warren Isaac (Melinda), as well as three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

In her memory, we honour a talented, community-oriented woman who inspired many children and who loved her friends and family deeply.