Irene E. Schaefer

Age 91 of Morris, Illinois, died peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at The Gardens of Park Pointe in Morris with her daughter by her side.

Born September 20, 1932 in Morris, Irene Elizabeth was the daughter of Adam and Mary (nee Kulof) Elinewski. She was raised in Morris, where she attended grade school and then graduated High School from St. Angela Academy. On October 21, 1956, Irene married Robert William Schaefer, who tragically passed away on December 5, 1969.

She continued her employment with First Midwest Bank in Morris, to support herself and her daughter. Irene was a devoted employee, holding several positions during her tenure with the bank, and retired from loan support after 30 years of loyal service. She proceeded to work part time at Hancock's Jewelers in Morris for several years, where she was a friendly and familiar face to many clientele.

Irene was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church in Morris and was a devoted mother to her daughter, Nancy Jo. Everything she did was to make sure that Nancy was provided for and knew she was loved. Irene took great pleasure in craft shows, dancing, and elaborately decorating her home for every holiday. She especially enjoyed her regular Sunday outings with her daughter and Rich and his kids. These outings almost always starting off with cinnamon rolls which she would bake at home, creating treasured memories for all involved. Irene loved to cook for her family, constantly displaying her nurturing instincts by preparing lunches for herself and her daughter, even after she was grown and moved out. She simply loved being with the people she loved, devoting her life to being the best mom and friend she could be.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy Jo Schaefer of Joliet, Illinois, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Adam and Mary Elinewski, her husband, Robert W. Schaefer, and one brother, Walter (Lauretta) Kulof.

Per Irene's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

A visitation will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street, in Morris on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Jason Stone, and burial will follow at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Morris, where Irene will be laid to rest with her husband, Robert.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Irene's memory to: Operation St. Nick, P.O. Box 781, Morris, Illinois 60450 or Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Irene's memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris (815) 942-2500.