Irene A. Saponara, age 84, a beloved resident of Darien, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025. Born in Gary, Indiana, to Michael and Anna Baranko, Irene lived a life marked by intelligence, devotion, and a vibrant spirit.

A gifted student, Irene graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and went on to attend Loyola University. She began her professional journey as a legal secretary before dedicating herself to raising her family and co-running a business with her husband, Faust Joseph "Joe" Saponara. Later in life, she earned a certificate in Medical Transcription and continued working until her retirement at age seventy.

Irene's Catholic faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She found strength, comfort, and purpose in her beliefs, and her devotion was evident in the way she lived—with compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. Her faith was a cornerstone of her identity, and she passed on its values to her children and grandchildren.

Irene's greatest joy came from her family. Her love for her children and grandchildren was boundless, and she extended that affection to her many pets—cats, birds, and even a parrot who often accompanied her on car rides perched on her shoulder. Her home was filled with the sounds of opera, and she delighted in sharing her passion for music by quizzing her loved ones on the emotions conveyed through the arias, regardless of the language.

An avid gardener, Irene cultivated roses and peonies with care, while her husband Joe ensured the lilacs bloomed in abundance. Her sharp wit and "wicked sense of humor" were legendary, as was her unmistakable "grandma glare," which left no doubt when she was displeased.

Irene's mind was always active. She loved solving crossword puzzles, completing word searches, and engaging her grandchildren in spirited quizzes on state capitals, historical events, and spelling challenges. A voracious reader, she maintained extensive lists of the books she devoured, and local librarians knew her by name. She was also famously competitive when it came to Jeopardy! and Trivial Pursuit, turning every game into a lively contest of knowledge and wit.

She is survived by her children: Irene (David) Gottwalt, Christine (Steven) Elgeness, Faust Anthony (Leila) Saponara, Theresa Baranko Martinez (Jesús Martinez), and Lisa (Patrick) Dammert; her grandchildren: Francis Saponara-Rodriguez, Alicia & Colton Malt; Anthony & Anna Gottwalt; Emilia Elgeness; Josephine Saponara, Tatiana Floramo, & Isabeau Saponara; Nicole, Catherine, Allison & Christine Saponara; Jesús & Theresa Martinez Baranko; and Robert & Michael Dammert.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Faust Joseph Saponara; her daughter, Denise Saponara; her brother, Michael Baranko; and her parents, Michael & Anna Baranko.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. Chapel prayers will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to SHARE Foundation with the Handicapped, PO Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371 or Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL 35210.

Please check back for a complete obituary. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.