Irene Brabec Madura

Irene Louise Madura, 95, of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Chatham, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2017, after a brief illness. Her family is so appreciative that she wasnt in any pain and that God chose to quickly promote her to His Promised Kingdom. She was born July 7, 1922 in Chicago to Joseph and Bess Pazak Brabec. She married Arthur Francis Madura on September 1, 1945 and he preceded her in death October 8, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Erv and Ray. Irene grew up in Chicago and worked at the famous downtown Marshall Field and Company department store, starting off in various managerial positions. Her strong work ethic, orientation to the #s and results and ability to effectively build working relationships allowed the company to quickly recognize her talents. She was subsequently promoted to Assistant Linen Buyer and Assistant Personnel Manager, during the times when men ruled the workplace. She was always one of the first to learn new systems and computers never scared her. In fact, Irene spent time every day on her home computer and eventually graduated to an iPad. How many 95-year-olds can claim that? Though work consumed much of her life, it never came at the expense of family. Irene was completely dedicated to her family and always made sure that she and her husband had a budget plan for their children to be able to enjoy some of the finer things in life such as family vacations. Since she worked full time most of her life (which was uncommon at that time), she knew she needed help at home with a number of activities and thus taught responsibility to her children at early ages. Her children credit this early introduction to responsibility and her role modeling as a major foundation to their success. As her children grew up and left the household nest, Irenes dedication to family took on a new dimension, caring first for an ill mother, then an ill father and finally an ill husband over many years. That was remarkable in itself, but the fact that Irene seldom complained about any of this is truly noteworthy. After her husbands death in 2007, Irene moved from Illinois to San Antonio to be closer with family. There, at the Independence Hill Retirement home, she developed many lon-lasting friendships. Irene was also an avid baseball fan, in particular, for her beloved Chicago White Sox. Both family and friends have always known Irene to be loyal, dedicated, supportive and generous. Despite all the pressures she faced, she really enjoyed having fun. Those that really know her well saw her keen sense of humor, mischievousness, fun loving personality and unique and contagious laugh. Irene a.k.a. Honey, Mom, Ibby, Nanny, GiGi has had such a positive impact on so many others and will be missed. She believed that being a grandparent was a delightful blend of caring deeds, laughter, and wonderful stories of love. She will continue to care for us, but just from a higher position. She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Susan (Jim) Williams; sons, Bill (Sandy), Paul (Debbie), and Jeff (Mary); she leaves behind her grandchildren, Stephanie (Brad) Maxcey, Dawn (Patrick) Malone, Daniel Madura, Alys Madura, Emma (Michael) Heirendt and her precious great-grandchildren, Logan, Reece, and Weston Maxcey and Clio and Silas Malone. Cremation rites were accorded and a Mass was celebrated on Friday, August 11, in San Antonio, Texas. Her urn will be transported to Chatham, IL for a committal services at Chatham Memorial Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband Arthur. Her family will greet friends at an informal gathering from 2:30pm until 3:30pm, Saturday, August 19, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL, 62629 to share stories and remembrances. Memorial contributions may be made for Catholic Masses.