Irene M. Wilson

Irene M. Wilson, beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, loving aunt, and friend to many peacefully left the world on May 13, 2021, to join God in the kingdom of Heaven.

Born in 1948, she grew up in Pakistan where she would meet the love of her life Nelson, whom she would share 49 years of marriage and 5 daughters with.

Irene was proud of her education and passed that wisdom on through years of teaching in various schools throughout Pakistan, including at a missionary school for underprivileged children. Here, she would meet the Ellis family, who would become loving lifelong friends. Strong friendships and bonds would become a common theme in her life, as Irene’s selflessness and devotion to those around her was unwavering.

Despite the fruitful life Nelson and Irene were building in Pakistan, she had a vision for an even better path for her family. She would later express how thankful she was that God’s vision matched hers: he was building a home for them that they would move into shortly after immigrating to America in 1992. This home would become the foundation where Irene’s hobbies and passions would flourish – planting and gardening, home renovation projects, and hosting family gatherings.

In the quiet hours of the early morning, you would find Irene sitting at the table with her bible, devoutly reciting prayers for the world around her – her family, her friends, her grandchildren, for peace in the world and even for peace in the heart of all the sinners she knew. This would be followed by her favorite time of the day, breakfast with Nelson (and her routine debriefing on the day ahead). In the evenings she looked forward to winding down with her favorite Bollywood movies, and would often hum her favorite songs while going about her daily chores the next day.

Irene was fiercely bold in every aspect of her life: the devotion to her faith, her protective nature over her children, her pride, and her whip smart sense of humor. She was undoubtedly proud of the family she created with Nelson, including the joys of her life, her grandchildren – whom she often called her army of saints. She was happiest when family and friends gathered in conversation over her meals she cooked, as she shared stories about her life. Her legacy will live on as we carry this tradition forward and celebrate the profound life of Irene and the blessed memories she leaves us with.

Irene is survived by her family:

Beloved wife for 49 years of Nelson; Devoted Mother of Sarah Wilson, Sophia (Corey) Hall, Farrah (Jamie) Crespo, Nadia Wilson and Mariam “Mimi” (Christopher) Krapek; Adored Grandmother of Maria “Maya” Abraham, Isabelle Crespo, Michael Crespo, Angelina Abraham and Iman Wilson and Dear Aunt of Pamela (Tim) Leeming and Anita Michael.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, family and friends are invited to gather 10:45 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church 405 S. Rush St. Roselle, IL. Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, where Irene found community and strength in.