Obituary of Irene M. Stofan
Irene M. Stofan, (nee Motta), age 96, of Joliet, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Born June 14, 1923, in Joliet, to Frank and Irene (Peyla) Motta, she was a graduate of St. Patrick Grade School, St. Francis Academy, College of St. Francis, and St. Mary’s College. She was a founding member of St. Joseph Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.
In 1978, her husband George, and Robert Agazzi formed a partnership in establishing Stofan, Agazzi & Company, Inc. Irene worked daily side by side with George, and later with their three children until her retirement in 2005. Throughout their 65 years of marriage, Irene and George were rarely apart. They were completely devoted to each other and their family, and put their love for their family above everything else.
Irene’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always had a smile, hug, and a cookie for each of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren every time they walked through the door.
Irene is survived by her three loving children, George F. (Mary) Stofan, Irene (Jeffrey) Celander, and Mark (Debby) Stofan, all of Joliet; seven grandchildren, Kathleen Stofan (Edward Young), Joan Stofan (Dustin Vilt), Richard Stofan, Elizabeth (James) Hart, Geoffrey (Aimee) Celander, Stephanie Celander, and Laurel Stofan; ten great-grandchildren, Annie and Charlie Young, Taylor, McKenzie and George Vilt, Aiden Hart, Griffin, Skylar, Nolan, and Carson Schultz; one sister, Catherine (William) Hart of Chicago; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (the late Lucien) Miner of North Carolina and Laura Stofan of Manhattan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, George M. Stofan (May 13, 2018); her granddaughter, Kayley Irene Stofan (2004); her parents; her sister, Frances (James) Bossingham; brother-in-law, John Stofan (2018); sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Cuiffini; and nephew, Michael Stofan.
For the past two years, Irene was cared for by four wonderful women; Karen Joda, Thomasine Laib, Tammy Marino, and Jenna Wilson. They became part of her family and made her last years happy and full of love. Her family will be forever grateful.
Visitation for Irene will be held privately by the family. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Joliet. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery will also be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.
Funeral services are under the care of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home. For information, please call (815) 741-5500 or you may visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
