Irene Joanne Krytiuk

Irene Joanne Krytiuk, 69, of Mississauga, Ontario, passed away on September 11, 2026 and the world is a less bright without her.

The youngest of four, Irene was born to the late Yakym and Anna Bandurak on September 3, 1957, in Acton, Ontario. Irene received her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto in 1981. In 1983, she married Jury Krytiuk, and they made their home in Mississauga for over forty years. They had one child, Anne-Marie. Irene often said that watching Anne-Marie grow was her greatest blessing. Her heart would swell with pride watching Anne-Marie accomplish her various goals. Their bond was undeniable, and they truly were each other’s best friends.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Jury; her daughter, Anne-Marie; her goddaughter, Rachel; her sister, Marie; and her brother, John.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Harry, and her beloved pets, Roxy, Tiny, Mala, Shadow, and Joey.

Irene was a beloved retired teacher from the Toronto Catholic District School Board, where she taught for over forty years. She began her career at All Saints Catholic Elementary School, teaching Special Education. One of her fondest memories was when her students biked to the park to see her all dressed up on her wedding day. Irene went on to become one of the first teachers at Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School in Etobicoke. Though she taught many grades throughout her career, she is most fondly remembered for teaching Grade Two at JCS and organizing First Holy Communion every year. She loved teaching with her entire being. If she could have taught children forever, she would have. Nothing brought her more joy than watching a student blossom from September to June. She loved bumping into former students and hearing where life had led them.

One of the first parishioners baptized at St. Elias Ukrainian Catholic Church, Irene was an active and devoted parishioner throughout her life. Her faith was deeply important to her, and her love of God was woven into so much of the life she built. After her father passed away, she proudly followed in his footsteps, providing the parish with pussy willows every year for Palm Sunday. Though cutting the branches was very labour intensive, it brought her so much joy to overhear others in church admiring their pussy willows.

Irene loved to cook, travel, and garden, and turned gift giving into an art form. She truly lived life to the fullest, and her laugh will be missed by all who knew it.

She was someone you’d always want to contact with good news because you knew she’d celebrate your wins as if they were her own. She’d also be the first person you’d reach out to when things fell apart because she somehow always knew what to say. She would effortlessly comfort and inspire you simultaneously.

Irene absolutely adored angels. May they welcome her with open arms as she transitions into a guardian angel for the many who are grieving this immensely shocking and heartbreaking loss.