Obituary of Irene Grant

Irene Grant passed from this life on September 16, 2023 at the age of eighty-six. She was the devoted wife of forty-four years of the late Casimir L. Grant, until his death in July of 1996. Together they raised six children, had eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Irene is the beloved mother of the late Michael (Charlene) Grant, Joyce Grant, Sharon (John) Nemecek, the late Elizabeth (Thomas) Scheidt, Ronald (partner Robin White) Grant and Cynthia Carson. She is the adored grandmother of Jodie (Rick), Chad, Nicole (Kyle), Staci, Eric (Ann), Sarah (Jason), David, Adam (Ashley), Christopher, Rachael and Lucas and the proud great grandmother of Casimir, Vaughn, Jonathan and Isabella. Irene was preceded in death by her seven siblings, Anita Mendoza, Abelino Madrid, Richard Madrid, Charles Madrid, Raul Madrid, Tony Madrid and Martin Madrid. She leaves numerous extended family members and friends to cherish her memory.

Irene was born October 13, 1936 in Blue Island, Illinois to the late Martin and Soledad Madrid. She was dedicated to her family and supported each of their individual interests. Irene was an outstanding cook and when her children would come home from school there was always something cooking or baking as they came in. She was an avid reader and had a book at all times next to her chair along with numerous periodicals.  Irene was always looking forward to new movies coming out in theaters and would go often, loved music of all kinds and always kept up with what her kids were listening to. She had a great sense of humor and was known to crack jokes, anyone who met her loved her!  Irene also enjoyed visiting with many family and friends, she was always welcoming to anyone who came to the door.  

Once Irene and Casimir became “empty nesters” she found a career in insurance sales that she maintained until her retirement. Irene spoke three languages, English, Spanish and Polish. Spanish was her first language and she learned Polish to communicate with her in-laws and she mentioned often how grateful she was for her mother-in-law for all that she learned from her outside of just a new language. Irene loved her parents, siblings and adored all of her extended family and treasured any time she got to spend with them.  Most importantly she was very strong in her faith and was a longtime member of St. Donatus Catholic Church.  In her later years, it was well known to never call her between 8am-9am because that is when she was taking in Mass on EWTN. Irene loved to travel and her most memorable was to Israel. She regretted not being able to see the Vatican as she had a trip planned but due to 9/11 she canceled.

A celebration of Irene’s life will be held Friday, November 10, 2023 from 3:00 pm until the time of memorial service at 7:00 pm at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island, Illinois. Cremation was private.