Ida Marie Irwin

Ida lived a life devoted to her family, her Catholic faith, and serving others. She will be remembered for her caring nature, her dedication to helping those in need, and the love she shared with her children and grandchildren.

Ida was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John F. Irwin of Metamora, Illinois; her eldest daughter, Maria F. Walz of Peoria, Illinois; her stepson, Greg Irwin of Whidbey Island, Washington; her brother, Joe G. Armentrout of Kickapoo, Illinois; and her parents, Joseph and Inez Armentrout.

She is survived by her daughter, Theresa McCaffrey, and son-in-law, Martin McCaffrey, and their children, Connor, Shea, and Brenna, of Raleigh, North Carolina; her daughter, Kathy Mallory, and her daughter, Danylle, of Tucson, Arizona; her son, Michael Walz, and his children, Ryan and Jaclyn, of Clayton, California; and her stepdaughter, Cindi Irwin, of Caldwell, Idaho, and her children, Megan and Samantha. She is also survived by her brother, Fred Armentrout, of Lebanon, Indiana, as well as her surviving great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Ida graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in Peoria, Illinois, and became a registered nurse. Her chosen profession reflected her natural desire to care for others and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Outside of her nursing career, Ida found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed hiking, camping, canoeing, and spending precious time with her children and grandchildren. Her love of nature and the outdoors was an important part of her life.

Her deep Catholic faith guided her throughout her years. She was professed as a Secular Franciscan in 1955 at the Sacred Heart Fraternity in Peoria, Illinois. She transferred to the Padre Pio Fraternity on March 1, 2011, when she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. While living in Peoria, Ida generously volunteered with the Missionaries of Charity, the religious community founded by Mother Teresa, helping serve those in need at their soup kitchen in Peoria.

She was also a devoted Oblate of the Community of St. John in Princeville, Illinois, where she contributed her time and talents by sewing religious habits and assisting with their tape ministry. Later, while living in Raleigh, North Carolina, she continued her spiritual service as an active Franciscan Tertiary.

Ida's life was marked by faith, family, compassion, and service. Through her work as a nurse, her commitment to her church, and her generosity toward others, she touched many lives.

She will be lovingly remembered by her family and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of kindness, devotion, and service will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Ida was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

A Memorial Mass will be offered at St. Luke's Catholic Church on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00am. A private inurnment will take place at St. Luke's Catholic Church.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice and LiveWell Care Home in Raleigh, NC, for their compassionate support and care during Ida’s final days. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love and grace of God.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ida's name may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Raleigh, or to the Brothers of St. John, Princeville, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory/story of Ida, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.