Irene M. Lawler
December 10, 1924 -
February 19, 2019
Irene M. Lawler, age 94 of Kenosha, passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at Aurora Medical Center.
Born on December 10, 1924 in Kenosha, she was the daughter of the late Ignatz and Janina (Michalek) Makoveck.
On May 4, 1946 at St. James Catholic Church, she was united in marriage to John M. Lawler, Sr. After nearly 53 years of marriage, John preceded her in death on February 18, 1999.
As a young woman, Irene was employed as a secretary at Nash-Kelvinator and after raising her family, Irene enjoyed helping with the care of people as a nurse’s aide at Washington Manor Nursing Home.
Faith and family were very important to Irene. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Irene had many interests including: sewing, knitting, and playing the piano for enjoyment. She was an avid reader, especially of mystery stories. She enjoyed traveling and visiting historical sites. Her activities included gardening, biking, swimming, and hiking. She enjoyed playing cards and working puzzles. She had a great appreciation of music, especially opera and classical music, and enjoyed the Kenosha Symphony.
Irene was a member of St. James Catholic Church and was active at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by her loving children, John (Lynn) Lawler, Jeanette (Joe) Fanfarillo, Michael (Susan) Lawler, Louise Holz, Susan (Dave) Bose, Edward (Linda) Lawler, Frederick (Terri) Lawler, and Joan (Doug) Palmer; 27 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Frederick Makoveck; a grandson, Joseph “Joey” Fanfarillo; and her son-in-law, Frank Holz.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Brookside Care Center and Aurora Medical Center for the exceptional care they provided.
Service Info
Funeral services honoring Irene’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 beginning with a prayer service at 9:15 a.m. from the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue, Kenosha, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 5821 10th Avenue. Entombment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum.
Posted by:
George HammondDear Butch, Jeannette, Mike, Louise, Susan, Eddie, Freddie and Joan, It was nearly 60 years ago that you moved out to the house on Granddaddy's Farm, but I like to remember the house just off Sheridan Road, and the ice skating on your flooded backyard - with double blades to help us tots stand up. And Aunt Irene's hot chocolate with marshmallows afterwards to warm up with. What an enormous clan we hail from! And your father and mother were among its best jokers. Now those of the 75 Lawler first cousins who survive hold the only memories of that place in time, kept warm by all the interlocking events of our childhoods, staying at each other's houses while younger cousins were being born, at Granddaddy's farm for the big summer parties, at the Racine Zoo ... and even captured on film by Uncle Tim and Aunt Delores. But captured even more deeply by each of us in our young, cared-for hearts. George
Posted by:
Penny WavroDear Mike , Sue and Family, We were sorry to hear of your mother's passing. May your memories give you comfort now and in the days to come. with Deep Sympathy, Penny & Mark Wavro
Posted by:
Maureen Lawler SkonieI agree with Marcia. Aunt Irene was the best godmother ever - even when she was stern. She was the one who called me Renianne. Not just Reni. And I hear her voice and the inflection in which my name was delivered periodically. She always made you feel loved and welcome which is amazing considering all the kids she had around. She never changed.
Posted by:
mike lawlerR.I.P. G`MA LOVE, YOUR GRANDSON MIKEY XOXOXO
Posted by:
Marcia AbelAunt Irene was the best Godmother in the world - (except when she tried to get me to eat eggplant!) She was the most loving and caring woman with wisdom galore - wrapped up in what I thought were quite smart-aleck comments as a kid - that I find to be so wise instead of so smart-aleck as I look at them from an adult perspective. Life with Aunt Irene was never dull - and she had the best "eyes in the back of her head" of any of my aunts and uncles. I truly hold her up to be the "grandma example" I try to be! From the time she first took on that role, I always saw her to be a grandma in a million. Not that I had any "favorite" aunts or uncles (maybe) ... But she was absolutely my favorite Godmother! My love to all my cousins mourning the loss of this incredible woman they get to call mom. Marcia
