Irene Shirley Stewart

Irene was born April 23, 1930 to Mary and Bernardino Zermiri in San Francisco, CA. She was the youngest sister to Adrianna and Palmira and she graduated from St. Vincent High School in 1948. While in school, Irene met Jack Stewart who she went on to marry in 1951. They raised their seven children in Santa Clara. She and Jack cultivated lifelong friendships with other St. Justin Parish families whose children grew up alongside their own. When their full house started to empty they welcomed two Italian exchange students to keep things lively. And later in life her favorite role was Grandma to her 16 grandkids and 4 great-grandkids.

Irene was a world traveler and a pioneer of the “girls’ trip.” She was described by many as a role model: an open-minded lifelong learner, excellent cook, sports fan, and avid reader. She was selfless (except when it came to sharing desserts) and always made sure there was room for one more at the dinner table.

She is predeceased by her husband, Jack, of 45 years. She is survived by her seven children, Carol, Bruce, Jim, Cindy, Laurie, John, and Andy; sons- and daughters-in-law, Mark, Madeline, Laurie, Mike, Mike, Jon, and Amy; 16 grandchildren (and grandchildren-in-laws), Kristina and John, Paul, Amanda and John, Nick, Anthony, Courtney, Alex, Dan, Alex, Lucas, Madison, Jack, Eric, David, Sam, and Sarah; four great-grandchildren, Jackson, Anna, Lucy, and Sawyer; her Italian family, Marco, Bianca, Pietro, Alba, Massimo, Gregorio, Silvano, Simona, Rebecca, and Riccardo, and loving nieces and nephews. And, she loved her grand-dogs, too. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Irene’s life on Tuesday, October 2nd at 10 a.m. at St. Justin Church, 2655 Homestead Road, Santa Clara. Interment will immediately follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please remember Irene with donations to STEP2, Reno NV, Holton Street Clinic, Milwaukee WI, or Sacred Heart Nativity School, San Jose.