Irene Carey

Irene Carey, 97, of Peoria, IL, passed away Sunday, July 3, 2022, at Liberty Village in Peoria. She was born on December 9, 1924, in Peoria to Charles and Isabel (Isley) Clayton at home.

She was the middle child of 13. Irene was preceded in death by sisters Marge Hyde, Mary Solls, and Esther Delzell, brothers Harold, Jim, Gene, Bill, Chuck, Bradley, Ernie, and Jack, and many special nieces and nephews including Susie Starcevich and Lisa Daub.

Irene married Orval Carey Jr. in 1947 and later divorced. She had a special companion Bob Stieghorst for several years. Both preceded her in death.

Surviving is her daughter Susie (John) Long of Peoria and granddaughters Natalie (Travis) Wilson and Melanie (Joe) DiGiacomo. Also surviving "Gigi" are her great-grandchildren Tommy, Elle, Olivia Wilson, and Jax DiGiacomo, all of Downers Grove. Further surviving are Irene's baby sister Ruthie Starcevich of Pekin and many special nieces and nephews.

Irene last worked at the Country Club of Peoria. She attended Woodruff High School. Irene loved her family, Wheel of Fortune, Bingo, crossword puzzles in ink, and garage sales. The family would like to thank the staff for the outstanding care she received at the Villas of Hollybrook in Washington, Liberty Village in Peoria, and Transitions Hospice.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude http://www.stjude.org or Sophia's Kitchen https://www.catholicpeoria.com/Sophia's-Kitchen . Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting with arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to her family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.