Irene Mateja

Irene Mateja was called to heaven on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Born on February 9, 1933, Irene was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Yurkanin; her husband, Andrew Mateja; her sisters, Anne (William) Vasilko and Mary (Wally) Franczyk; and her brother-in-law, John Baran.  She is survived by her sister Janet Baran, her children: George (Nancy) Mateja, Michael (Diana) Mateja, and Diana (Michael) Abbott; her grandchildren: Katherine, Thomas, Matthew (Draya), Michael, and Christopher; her special niece Carol Harbison, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, 2011 Clark Street, Whiting, with the Rev. Andrew Summerson, officiating; interment to follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the church on Monday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Irene graduated from George Rogers Clark High School in 1950, Little Company of Mary Nursing School in 1954, and earned a Bachelor of Science from the College of St. Francis in 1978. During her career she was employed by Union Carbide, St. Margaret’s Hospital and the Hammond Health Department. A voracious reader, Irene devoured thousands of books in her lifetime. She also enjoyed crafts, creating afghans, sweaters, scarves, cross-stitch pieces, and jewelry, many of which became cherished teacher gifts when her children were young. Irene was actively involved with the PTA and her beloved St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, where she participated in the Rosary Society and attended every social gathering she could. In Calumet City, she was the neighborhood nurse, always ready to assist with health concerns brought to her door.   A devoted grandmother, Irene showered her grandchildren with time, attention, books, gifts, and joyful memories. She loved gardening and planted beautiful flowers each year. Irene shared an unbreakable bond with her sisters and cherished her family deeply. She found great joy in cooking for her family and caring for her beloved cat. Irene also enjoyed traveling and learning new things, but she was happiest sharing her faith and inviting others to her church. In her final years, Irene faced dementia. She received wonderful in home care from Teresa, and for nearly the past year and a half, she was cared for at StoryPoint in Schererville Indiana by extraordinary caregivers—especially Ebube, Kiana, and Laila. She found comfort in her friends and cherished toys when her daughter was not by her side. Irene was a true character, captivating rooms with her humor, stories, and generous heart. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church Beautification Project, Second Chance for Pets, or Dunes Hospice. 

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