Harlos, Ilene
Ilene Harlos
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our mom, Ilene Harlos, on Friday, September 25th, 2026. While our hearts are heavy knowing the health challenges she faced, we take comfort in having been with her while she passed peacefully.
Mom was born October 25th, 1939, on the family farm near Hardy, Saskatchewan, to Stu and Anna Hoag (née: Haugen). Mom’s earliest years were spent on the family homestead enjoying a simpler life of quality time with family and friends. In 1948 the family moved to Bengough, SK, a community she proudly told everyone she was from! Mom married our dad, Peter, on June 29th, 1956, starting what would be 65 years of life together. The next few years were busy raising four girls and moving wherever Dad’s work was — from Oxbow to Elbow to Grimshaw, Alberta, until returning back to what was always home, Saskatchewan. Mom was a prairie girl at heart!
Mom and Dad finally put down roots on the farm near Moose Jaw, which they proudly built from the ground up. Faced with the realities of the farming economy in the 1970s, Mom returned to the workforce. She started in Patient Records at the Moose Jaw Clinic, moved on to the office of optometrist Dr. McWilliams, and finally worked alongside Drs. Myles McMorris and Jacqueline John where she retired after more than 20 years as their Optometric Assistant. She excelled at her work and enjoyed the connections she made with both coworkers and patients.
Those who have been waiting for her to join them include our dad, Peter; her parents, Stu and Anna Hoag; in-laws, John and Elsie Harlos; her brother, Allan; her sister, Carol; brothers-in-law: Rudi, Ted and Andy; sisters-in-law, Matilda and Dena; and too many furry family members to name.
Mom leaves behind, for now, her daughters: Cindy (Jake), Wendy (Jerry), Lorena (Dwayne), and Liana (Cory). Also left to remember Mom are her grandchildren: Jeffrey (Stacy), Jody, Lisa, Marcel and AJ (Ashton); great-grandchildren: Jacob, Conor, Alexa, Brynlee, Piper, Kieran, Dominic, Avery, and Emersyn; brother, Dale (Jeanne); sisters-in-law, Joanne and Elsie; and many cherished nieces, nephews and their families.
Words cannot begin to convey our heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate, professional, and personal care provided to Mom by Dr. Janessa King, Mariam Nganzo and all the staff at Marcie Private Care Home….we know there are truly angels on earth!
Interment of cremains will take place at a later date when Mom will be laid to rest next to Dad at Rosedale Cemetery. Animals of all sizes were a big part of Mom’s life and for those who choose, donations in her name may be made to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7, a fitting way to carry on her memory. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
My heart feels heavy. I worked with Ilene at the optometry clinic for over 20 years. Ilene had an outstanding work ethic and excelled at keeping work about work. She enjoyed continual learning and brought only her best to the patients. They loved her and she loved them. As our practice grew, she was someone all her co-workers looked up to. I have so many fond memories of Ilene … from barbecues at their farm (and Ilene’s homemade ice cream), to her work anniversary trip to Hawaii and the great picture of her and Pete on the beach in Maui (Pete in his shorts and cowboy boots). Then there was the time she and I were driving home from the clinic we ran in Coronach and almost lost our lives when a truck crossed into our lane (that was the only time I ever heard Ilene curse … then we laughed till we cried). Ilene was a wonderful person, quietly private, but I always knew she was my friend. Hugs to her girls. You had such a great mom.
I worked with Ilene at Primary Eye Care Centre. She was a joy to work with. Always professional, always willing to lend a helping hand and have a kind word for everyone. She led by example. My favorite Irene quote when dealing with a difficult patient was, “kill them with kindness”.
My condolences to her family. She talked of you all often with great love.