Irma Elizabeth Spratt (nee Shorey)
January 11, 1927 – May 31, 2025
Irma, age 98 years, beloved wife of the late Harold Spratt, passed away at Rideau Park Personal Care Home, Brandon, on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Irma was born in Boissevain, Manitoba, on January 11, 1927 to Arthur and Marjorie Shorey. She grew up on the farm south of Boissevain along with her two brothers Ralph and Raymond.
She attended Richview, a one-room schoolhouse followed by Normal School in Winnipeg, making many lifelong friends. Irma’s teaching career took her to several towns in Manitoba ultimately leading to her final position as Principal at Margaret School, from which she retired in 1987.
Irma married Harold Spratt, a farmer from Elgin, on December 20, 1955. Together they enjoyed the farm life, where they raised their three children: John, Rilla and Murray. Harold and Irma retired to Souris, in 1993. Following Harold’s passing, Irma relocated to Brandon.
She was active with the UCW in both Elgin and Souris. Her wide range of interests included square dancing, reading, knitting, baking, browsing flea markets/garage sales. Her love for visiting and travelling took her and Harold on many memorable trips to see family, friends and neighbours. They spent many winters in Victoria, B.C. and travelled to Ontario to see Rilla and her family.
Irma was predeceased by her husband Harold, parents Arthur and Marjorie, brothers Ralph (Barbara) and Raymond (Margaret), brother-in-law Glen Spratt, sisters-in-law Mary (Ken) McPherson and Jean (Winston) Lovett and niece Susan (Shorey) Hanks.
Irma is survived by her children John (Margaret) of Elgin, Rilla (Richard) LeCoz of Petawawa, ON, and Murray (Lawana) of Brandon; grandchildren: Lynn (Chris) Cliplef, Tyler (Holly) Spratt, Daniel, Shayla and Patrick LeCoz and Connor, Travis and Kiara Spratt and great-grandchildren: Robert Cliplef and Kennedy and Owen Spratt, sister-in-law Shirley Spratt and many nieces and nephews.
Irma was laid to rest beside her husband Harold at Elgin Cemetery. A come and go memorial reception to celebrate Irma’s Life will take place at Elgin Community Hall on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Donations in memory of Irma may be made to the Elgin Community Fund c/o Brandon Area Community Foundation, Box 22096, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6Y9 or to a charity of your choice.
Sincere condolences, we enjoyed being neighbour’s for many years ago. She was such a sweet lady.
So sorry to hear of Irma’s passing. Our condolences to all her family. Thoughts are with you at this sad time.
To Irma’s family, please accept our condolences on Irma’s passing. Keep your memories close to your hearts and she will always be with you.
We are sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We remember her and your dad as very friendly supportive parents to your schools. Our thoughts and prayers are with you John, Rilla and Murray.
We are sorry for your loss. Condolences to all the family
My sincere condolences to you all-John, Rilla and Murray-on your Mother’s passing. Many happy memories of her and your Dad Harold socializing in Elgin ; particularly at Elgin U C.
my condolences to John, Rilla, Murray and families on the passing of your Mother. Betty and family.
I’m sorry for your loss of your Mother. My thoughts are with you all.
Our condolences to all of Irma’s family. She was a lovely lady. I remember Harold and Irma as great members of the community. Sincere sympathies to all.
Ardelle and family
Sympathy to John, Rilla, Murray and families.
Sincere sympathy to all Irma’s family. My thoughts of her go back to Primose School, where she taught. She made many friends in her lifetime with her welcoming smile and caring ways. Cherish your memories in the days ahead.
Laura Empey and family
Murray & family,
You are in my thoughts & prayers. I remember visiting your Mom @ Rideau Park with Sheila. She had a very special twinkle in her eye. She was so proud of you & happy to tell us a few stories . Take Care Chris & (Bob)
John, Rilla, Murray and families, your mom was a dedicated mom, grandma, wife and teacher. I had the privilege of teaching along side her at Margaret School in the early 80’s. She had grade 1-6, and I had kindergarten. She had a heart of gold, and spent many hours ensuring that her students were prepared for the next school grade. The highlite of the school year was the Christmas concert where she wrote all the plays, giving them a local flavor. I have many fond memories of Irma and know that your memories will give you comfort in this sad time. Rest peacefully Irma.
My sincere condolences to Irma’s family.
Irma was a caring, kind and wonderful lady.
Always cheerful, generous and had the best good nature personality. At the salon, the teacher in her would shine and you would get a positive vibe, a lesson and some history. If you met her you would never forget her. May your memories comfort you at this sad time.
R.I.P. Irma Hugs
Dear John, Rilla, Murray and families, I have many wonderful memories of Irma’s kindness and encouragement to me as I was growing up. Her warm welcome, cookies, ride shares between families to children’s activities, then child minding jobs on square dance night and finally Irma’s generous welcoming accommodation at the time of our father’s passing and her “in town” cold weather accommodation when coming to visit our mother at the Souris PCH in her last years. Through the years I recall Irma and Harolds’ joyful participation in conversations with our family members and others. Enjoy your memories. Former “next farm” neighbour Alison Fraser, Richmond BC .
Dear John, Rilla and Murray and families. My condolences on the loss of your dear mum. Murray and I always enjoyed our visits with Irma and Harold. Murray especially liked reminiscing. Michelle still remembers the tennis lessons she and Rilla took in Souris many years ago. Memories are precious gifts for you to share as you say goodbye to your mum.
Shirley Brown
I have fond memories of Irma teaching all 4 of our kids at Margaret school. Sincere condolences to John, Rilla &Murray.
I didn’t know it then, but I know now that Mrs. Spratt was an incredible teacher. I was fortunate enough to be one of her students at Margaret School. I have SO many fond memories of Christmas concerts, baseball gym hours and fun activities planned in class by her. She nurtured a love of learning that I will always have.
My condolences to her family.
I remember well being a student of Irma’s when she taught at Minto School. She made classes interesting and always went the extra distance to make classes and projects more interesting. Christmas Concert preparation started well ahead of the date with practices, creating decorations for the hall and making props and costumes. A great and beloved teacher by many. She will be missed. Condolences to the family.