Irene McAleer

IRENE MCALEER

Cedar Rapids

Irene McAleer, 90, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, April 13, 2017. Mass of Christian Burial: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 20, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Rosary service: 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, followed by visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitation: also one hour before the service at the church. Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Anamosa.

Survivors include her stepchildren, Michael (Lynn) McAleer and Mary Elbert; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Helen Getta and Bill (Lois) Schmitt; many nieces and nephews, including Kathy (Robert) Zobeck and Diane (Steve) Bauer; many great-nieces and nephews; and several extended family members and friends.

Irene Clara Schmitt was born Feb. 16, 1927, in Elgin, Neb., to Theodore and Frances (Preusser) Schmitt. She attended St. Boniface High School in Elgin, graduating in 1945. She married Edward McAleer on July 3, 1971, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Irene belonged to St. Pius X Catholic Church for many years, the Red Hat Society, was involved with the Sisters of Mercy and Lifetime Mercy Associates and was a supporter of the Mercy Foundation and numerous Mount Mercy University scholarships. She enjoyed bowling leagues, golfing with girlfriends, shopping, visiting casinos and traveling.

Irene was a well-liked, kind, gentle and fun person who was fiercely loyal to her friends and family, and believed in the healthy power of a hug.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five brothers and one sister.

Memorials may be directed to Sister Mary Ildephonse Holland Endowed Scholarship at Mount Mercy University, 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Please share your support and memories with Irene's family on her tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.