Irene Rascia

Irene M. Rascia passed away Friday afternoon, August 15, 2025, in Addison, IL. She was born December 15, 1927, in Chicago, a beloved daughter of the late Johanna and Andrew Olexik. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 67 years, Michael (Mike) Rascia, and siblings Carl Olexik, Emily Landeck and Gloria Riga.

Irene had an amazing green thumb, spending countless hours in her flower and vegetable garden. Many people remember al fresco meals sitting in the beautiful back yard, perhaps joining her on the swing with a glass of wine. She had a passion for reading and history that she passed on to her children. She was a dedicated wife, mother, aunt, sibling, grandmother and friend. Nothing made her as happy as get-togethers; she lit up a room whenever guests visited her home. Countless friends, 27 nieces and nephews, and 13 grandchildren enjoyed her cooking and hospitality. She could whip up a lasagna or a pizza at the drop of a hat. Mike and Irene’s home became a stopping point whenever out of town friends and family passed through Chicago. When her children were grown and out of the house, Irene volunteered into her 80s with Meals on Wheels, delivering to the homebound elderly in her community.

Irene is survived by her loving children: Mary Forman (John), Michael, Jr. (Sasha), Linda, and Louis (Pat); by her cherished grandchildren Michael Rascia, Nicholas Rascia, Wallace Forman (Annie Gong), Andrew Rascia (Jennifer), Hilary Forman (Xin Yin), Ann Forman Lippens (Stephen), Lydia Forman (Andrew McClennan), Tania Rascia, Jason Brown (Julia Gedigk), Elisa Rascia, Michelle Brown, Mia Rascia, Sam Rascia; by her adored great-grandchildren Oliver Yin, Emily Rascia, Julian Forman, Evan Yin, Aurelia Forman, Lillian Rascia, Elise Lippens, Nora Lippens, Adrian Forman, Allison Rascia, and Baby Boy Lippens; by her brother Arnold Olexik (Nancy), and by her sisters-in-law Diane Bartolozzi and Pat Rascia. She also leaves behind a large extended family and many friends whose lives she touched deeply.

The family offers a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers and hospice team at Clarendale of Addison for the compassion and deep care they provided to Irene.

Her legacy lives on in the meals shared, stories told, and love she instilled in all who knew her.