Irene Ann Engh

Irene Ann Engh, nee Gilla, born February 17th, 1930, passed away peacefully at her daughter Janet's home on June 2nd, 2026. She was 96 years old and maintained her independence until just a couple years ago.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack Engh, parents George and Anna Gilla, siblings and their spouses Emily Gilla, Ann (Stephen) Bojnansky, George (Camille) Gilla and niece Lois Casey.

She was the loving mother of Janet (Jerry) Saunders, Monica (Brian) Kelly and Kenneth Sobota; cherished grandmother of Jill Saunders, Gina Saunders, Ashley (Dave) Benson, Aaron (Lela) Saunders, Samantha Kelly, Connor Kelly, Lisa Thomas and Samantha Sobota; adored great-grandmother of twenty and great-great-grandmother of eight; treasured aunt to Carole (the late Lawrence) Postmus, Stephen (Karen) Bojnansky, Greg (Ana) Gilla, Tanya (Thom) Hayes, Gail (Tom) Czyszczon and many extended nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was the loving stepmother of David Engh, Barbara (Matt) Bisbee, and Bob (Sue) Engh; cherished step grandmother of Jack (Sarah) Engh, Clarke (Cheryl) Engh, Elyse (Griffin) Humber, Erica Engh and Emily (Rocco) Furious; step great-grandmother of five.

Irene grew up in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago and graduated from Harrison High School in 1947 at the age of 17. She was an athlete who at just 16, placed first out of 1,500 competitors in a marathon swim. She stayed active throughout her life swimming, skiing, golfing, and leading several bowling leagues as team captain, earning many trophies along the way. She loved playing games with her friends and family and held a truly special place in her heart for her grandchildren. As an enthusiastic reader, she even connected with her grandchildren by reading books together over FaceTime.

Her remarkable work ethic was shaped early in life; she started her first job at A. Stein and Company in 1945 when she was just 15 years old. Over the decades, she brought her talent and sharp mind to a variety of workplaces, adapting to many different roles over the course of her career. Her final position was at MTI Vacations, where she worked until her well-deserved retirement at the age of 63.

Irene was truly the life of the party, bringing joy to every room she entered. She was a strong and independent woman who lived life on her own terms. Her unwavering loyalty and fierce love of family and friends left an undeniable mark on everyone who knew her. As a dedicated pillar of her family, she turned that love into action by co-founding the K-Cousin Family Reunion in 1980, establishing a meaningful tradition that still brings relatives together from across the United States and Canada.

Irene will be dearly missed but forever in our hearts. A celebration of life will held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness care.