Irene L. Lombardo, age 93, a longtime resident of Park Ridge, IL, passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Central DuPage Hospital/Northwestern in Winfield, Illinois. Born on Christmas Day, 1930, in Adams Township, in Michigan's upper peninsula, Irene was the beloved daughter of Martin and Sally Baccetti, the second of three children. Tragically, her mother passed away when Irene was just two years old. Her father later married Clara, who, along with Irene's grandfather Giuseppe Baccetti, lovingly helped raise her.

Irene spent her early years in Painesdale, Michigan, before moving to Chicago for high school. She graduated from Harrison High School in 1948. In 1951, she married Richard Stranc, and together they built a life in Cicero, Villa Park, and finally Park Ridge, raising three wonderful children.

Irene had a talent for numbers and worked as a bookkeeper/accountant throughout her life. Once her children were older, she returned to work at Fiber Box and later at Comdisco in Rosemont. She was also married to Joseph Lombardo for many happy years.

Known for her frugality and artistic flair, Irene was a skilled painter and decorator, maintaining an immaculate home. She had a passion for cooking and was a quiet, reserved person who found joy in simple pleasures. An avid seamstress, Irene delighted in dressmaking, crocheting, and knitting. She also took great pride in contributing to her high school reunion committee, cherishing the connections she made there.

Above all, Irene was devoted to her family, always showing kindness and care.

She is survived by her children, Gail Croson of Bloomingdale, Janet (Ron) Fernandez of Ingleside, and Jim (Eunice) Stranc of Wheaton; her four grandchildren, Martin Stranc, Brandon Stranc, Zachary Croson, and Matthew Croson; her sister, Marjorie Falesch of Wisconsin; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Martin Baccetti, her brother-in-law, Frank Falesch, her parents, and her stepmother.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home in Wheaton. A funeral mass will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospita l.

Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027 .