Irene T. Moskal DelGiudice

Irene T. Moskal DelGiudice passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at the age of 97.

Irene was born on March 21, 1929, and grew up in the Chicago and Ashland Avenue area. She was the dearest daughter of the late Zofia (Grzyb) and the late Jozef Moskal. Irene and her family lived above her parents’ bar and catering business, where she learned from an early age the values of hard work, independence, and dedication to family.

Irene attended St. John Cantius grammar school and went on to attend Holy Family Academy. Always fiercely independent, Irene began working at the age of 14 because she wanted to earn her own money and not depend on her parents.

She later worked in the accounting department at the Palmer House, where she met her future husband, James V. DelGiudice, who was a salesperson in the men’s clothing department. They married on August 5, 1950, and began their married life in a three-flat owned by Irene’s parents. Through hard work and perseverance, they eventually were able to purchase a home of their own.

In 1958, Irene and James moved to Schiller Park, where they built a life together and raised their son, James “Jimmy” DelGiudice. Irene was a devoted wife and mother. She later accepted a position at Lincoln School so that she could have her summers off and spend that special time with her son. She took great pride in her home and loved her garden, flowers, and backyard sanctuary. She was happiest surrounded by the things she had carefully tended and loved. She also loved Christmas and never missed an opportunity to beautifully decorate her home for the holiday season.

Irene and James were married for 37 years before James passed away from cancer in 1987.

Irene’s Catholic faith was at the center of her life. She was a devoted Catholic who prayed faithfully, with a particular love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was a member of the Parish Council at Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish and volunteered often at church, always willing to lend her time and support to her parish community.

Irene donated a statue of the Blessed Mother to St. Beatrice Church (now Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish) and, every Sunday, brought flowers to place at the statue. Her love and devotion to the Virgin Mary inspired her to travel to Fatima three times.

Irene loved to travel, visiting Rome, Spain, Portugal, and making a yearly trip to Naples, Florida. Wherever she traveled, her faith traveled with her. She never missed Mass while on vacation and visited countless churches and cathedrals. She especially enjoyed meeting the priests she encountered along the way, often taking photographs with them and sending the pictures to the local newspaper to be published.

Irene dedicated much of her life to public service and to making her community a better place. She worked for the Illinois Secretary of State in the Driver’s License Division during George Ryan’s tenure, where she helped bring justice to people who had been harmed by dishonest actions within the department.

Public service was a family tradition. Irene’s brother, the late Edward Moskal, served for many years as President of the Polish American Congress and the Polish National Alliance. Irene worked tirelessly to continue his legacy and preserve her family’s commitment to the Polish-American community.

She served two terms as President of the Polish American Congress Illinois Division. She was also a member and former President of School District #81 in Schiller Park, where she was instrumental in obtaining soundproofing for the district’s three schools.

Irene served as a Trustee of the Triton College Board for more than 20 years and as a Trustee for the Village of Schiller Park. In each of these positions, she was a strong advocate for the community and always made sure that citizens’ tax dollars were spent wisely. She was also a member of the Polish National Alliance and PAPA — the Polish American Police Association.

Politically active throughout her life, Irene was never afraid to speak her mind. She fought for what she believed was right and was especially passionate about standing up for the “little guy.” She supported the people she believed in and those whom she felt would do good for their communities. She had a remarkable ability to make friends with just about anyone who was willing to listen to her.

Those who knew Irene will remember not only her accomplishments, but the person she was. She was honest, helpful, smart, loving, kind, and generous. She was always impeccably dressed, neatly groomed, and polished. Her generosity often came in simple, thoughtful gestures. If someone was kind to her, Irene was likely to return that kindness with candy, donuts, or a helping hand.

Every Sunday after Mass, Irene brought two donuts to the crossing guards who directed traffic outside the church — simply because they said hello to her and smiled. She volunteered often at church and was always willing to help others. She enjoyed bringing food to her neighbors and sharing what she had with those around her.

Independent until the end, Irene remained true to the values that had guided her throughout her life: work hard, stand up for what is right, help others, remain faithful, and always take care of your family.

Irene was the beloved wife of the late James V. DelGiudice and the loving mother of James G. “Jimmy” DelGiudice. She was the dearest sister of Chester (Joan) Moskal and the late Stanley (the late Lucille) Moskal, the late Jean (the late Edward) Adams, the late Stephanie (the late Walter) Lezon, the late Anthony (the late Florence) Moskal, the late Joseph Moskal, and the late Edward (the late Wanda) Moskal.

She was a fond aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, and great-great-great-aunt to many. She was a friend to many.

Most of all, Irene loved her family. Her greatest joy was being a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, independence, public service, Polish-American pride, and an unwavering commitment to doing what she believed was right.

Irene will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable 97 years. Her memory will live on in the people she loved, the community she served, and the countless acts of kindness she gave so freely.

Visitation Monday, August 31, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL. The funeral will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home, and will then proceed to St. Beatrice Church (Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish) in Schiller Park for Mass at 10:00 a.m. The interment will follow at Saint Adalbert Cemetery in Niles. For more information call (708)456-8300.