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We pay tribute to our popular, long-serving colleague Irene Robertson, who passed away suddenly in October after a short illness.
Irene worked with West of Scotland Housing Association for over 15 years, first in housing services before moving on to be much-valued member of the Income Maximisation team. In her role she was a friendly, knowledgeable source of advice and encouragement both to colleagues and customers and supported many hundreds of tenants over the years.
Her colleagues remember Irene as kind, intelligent and family-focused, who always had time to help and support her teammates.
Colleague Jennifer Milligan said: “Irene was a mentor to me throughout my whole career— she took me under her wing and I learned so much from her. She was always extremely passionate about her job and important issues surrounding the housing sector and was continually researching and learning. Family meant everything to Irene. Her face lit up every time we spoke about her son and the lovely family he has created. I’ll never forget her.’
Irene’s kindness often took the form of creating beautiful crocheted and knitted gifts for colleagues’ families: ‘She could turn her hand (or needles) to any pattern; she made many blankets for staff members and they always looked amazing. It was definitely a passion of Irene’s, and she excelled in it.’ Colleague Gillian Cairns said. ‘She was always kind and thoughtful towards everyone.’
Irene's funeral took place on 31st October at Glasgow (Maryhill) Crematorium, with many of Irene's West of Scotland colleagues in attendance to pay their respects.
The Association opened a Book of Condolence for Irene, which was gifted to the family as a mark of love and respect from her colleagues.
Reflecting Irene’s passion for continual learning, from next year WSHA will establish a training fund in her name to help introduce local young people to careers in housing.
Irene will be sorely missed by her colleagues and friends, and will be remembered for her kindness, her commitment to learning and her passion for helping others.