Obituaries

Irene Cecilia Drobick, age 92, passed away peacefully in Danville, California on Monday, February 25, 2019. She was born on July 8, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois to John and Sophie Waicius. Irene’s parents both immigrated from Lithuania, were strong contributors to the community and made the “American Dream” real. Irene had two sisters, Del and Sue, and two brothers, Walter and Alvin, all of whom are now together with Irene and her parents in Eternal Rest.

Irene married Walter “Wally” John Drobick (deceased) on Saturday, September 27, 1947 at the Saints Peter and Paul Church in the West Pullman neighborhood of Chicago.

Irene worked in business positions, beginning as a teenager near the end of WWII. Her employers included the US Government in Washington D.C, Alice Chalmers and finally Dayton-Hudson Corporation / Marshall Field’s - the later locations in Chicago. Irene and Wally lived in West Pullman and later Richton Park, both on the south side of Chicago, Illinois.

Irene loved spending time with friends, like her “La Di Da Girls”, and hunting for antiques. She made sacrifices her whole life to better the lives of those around her and she was always pleasant and thankful. A true inspiration to us all. Years after Wally died, Irene moved to Fremont, California.

Irene is survived by three loving children: Bill (wife Joni), Karen (husband Tom) and Jeff (wife Marlene); five grandchildren: Holly (husband Nick), Matt (wife Gabby), Joe (wife Mo), Kyle and Jessica; and seven great-grandchildren: Amber, Xavier, Quinn, Zane, Sydney, Ashley and Ruby. Irene and Wally instilled strong Catholic and midwestern values in their family which they carry forward today.

Services: • FREMONT, CA: Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 11:30am at Holy Spirit Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536. Ph: (510) 797-1660. Immediately following the Mass, the family welcomes you to a reception at DeSousa House which is adjacent to the Church. For your information, the Funeral Parlor handling logistics is Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536. Ph: (510) 797-1900.

• CHICAGO, IL: Prayer Service & Committal Rite will be held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 10:00am at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery, 4401 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60655. Ph: (773) 239-4422. Immediately following the Service, the family welcomes you to a reception at a local location to be announced. For your information, the Funeral Parlor handling logistics is Hills Funeral Home, 10201 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, IL 60465. Ph: (708) 598-5880.

The Drobick family would like to extend our gratitude to Presider: Fr. Ken Sales, Pastor, Holy Spirit Church; Concelebrants: Fr. Gerard Moran and Fr. Johnson Abraham; and Irene’s son, Deacon Bill Drobick.

Special thanks to Marlene (daughter-in-law) for the love and care she gave to Irene these past few months to make her life full. Special thanks also to Joni (daughter-in-law) who provided love and care for Irene and applying her many years of RN experience at times of great need. We also want to thank the amazing nurses and caregivers: Jenna, Monica, Ron and many others who supported Irene and the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Irene’s name to Holy Spirit Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536. Ph: (510) 797-1660. Following is the online donation link: https://holyspiritfremont.org/give/

For questions, please contact Irene’s youngest son, Jeff, at jeff.drobick@yahoo.com. May God bless Irene and you all.