Racine – Irene Marie Bugni (Belanec), 59, passed away. She was born in Racine, Wisconsin on January 7, 1952, the daughter of Josephine Maringa (Krepelan-Belanec) and Thomas Belanec.
Irene graduated from Washington Park High School in 1970. Irene worked as a pre-loader for 32 years at the United Parcel Service (UPS), retiring in 2011. Her career was an accomplishment not achieved by many for it requires sacrifice and perseverance.
Irene enjoyed sunrise walks on the beach by her ocean condominium in Florida, vacationing with her best friend Lynn Hansen, visiting with family and friends and shopping on HSN and QVC. She was married to Michael J. Bugni from 1971 until 1984.
We dearly love and recall Irene's great compassion and love as a child and a Mother. She poured her love upon her only daughter, Darcy, her family members and her dogs, Xena, preceded by Chardonnay and Beemer. Irene's loving fondness extended to her grand-puppies, Samantha Lynn (Sugar), Allyssa Marie (Peanut), Steve and Darcy's pets. Irene enjoyed cooking and could finesse all types of cuisine made with love for all to enjoy. We are grateful to her and will always appreciate her incredible love, zeal and care for her Mom (Josephine Maringa).
Irene is survived by her mother Josephine Maringa (Krepelan-Belanec); her beloved daughter, Darcy K. Schwartz (Bugni) and son-in-law Steve Schwartz; her sister Julie A. Thrasher (Belanec) and brother-in-law Mark Thrasher, nephew Zach T. Thrasher and niece Rhea A. Thrasher (FL); her sister, Kathleen J. Belanec (CA); cousins, Charles and Monica Krepelan their son, Robert; Susan and Keith Paplaczyk their son, Clayton (AZ); and Karen Krepelan; best friend Lynn Hansen; and other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention. She is preceded by her father, Thomas Belanec; her step-father, Jan Maringa; her grandparents, Joseph and Vinca Krepelan; and Uncle Frank and Francis Krepelan.
We will honor Irene's life and remember her fondly at a Memorial Service at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Visitation at 2:00 p.m. and the Service at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011, with Father Mark Jones officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to the ASPCA or the Humane Society of Wisconsin in her honor and love for animals.
Schvegas Irene!
We will continue to toast you for sharing in our lives.
Jodi P says
Darc, I love you and I am so sorry for what you are going through. I’m glad you have so much support from Steve and your aunts! (and uncle)… Brian and I are thinking of all of you constantly! Your mom was a great woman and I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing her so well. She always made me laugh! I’m here for you anytime!!! Love you!!!
Vikki Thrasher and Steve Boyd says
Our hearts and prayers are with you Julie, Mark, Darcy, Steve,Josie, Kathy and Lynn. It is such an unexpected loss, we are so sorry for you.
Terry and Bob Simon says
Our hearts are filled with sorrow for the loss of your mom,daughter,sister and friend. May your memories help bring you comfort and peace. It was our pleasure to have known her and we will always recall our memories of times spent together, with a smile in our hearts. Love and peace to you all. Terry,and Bob
Jeanine & Patrick Lyons says
Our condolences to Irene’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Elizabeth Annis says
I am so sorry about your loss of Irene. She was truly a beautiful and remarkable person and will be truly missed. Having the chance to know her was truly a blessing in my life. From when I knew Darci was a baby and then to see her blossom into a beautiful adult was truly a testimony to having her wonderful mother Irene. There are things in life I cannot understand and it seems so empty now that she is not here. I will remember all the memories with Irene that will live on in my hear forever. God will give us the strength we need to go on together. I love you Irene! Thank you for being my friend. Liz
Rhea Thrasher says
I love you and miss you and will keep you in my heart and prayers forever. <3
Susan Krepelan Paplaczyk says
Darcy, Steve, Julie, Mark and Kathy,
There are no words to describe the sorrow and sadness at the unexpected loss of your Mother and Sister. We were so blessed to have had her in our lives! Her light will not be distinguished; as her love lives on through each of us! See you Friday to celebrate Irene’s life, a life well lived and we will pay her love forward to the next generation. Love and hugs to each of you, Susan, Keith and Clayton
Lana M. Alejos says
Darcy i would like to start out by saying we have been friends for over 30 years and I love you lke a sister!!!! I can truly say i know what it feel like to lose a parent, and I so feel your pain!! I am so sorry for your loss and will ALWAYS be here for you!! Irene was a wonderful mother, who I have learned many things from, growing up we couldn’t put anything past her!! But because of her you turned out to be the woman you are today and I am so proud of all your accomplishments!!! I will keep you and Steve in my prayers and just remember im only a phone call away!!!
Kim Rowe says
Darcy I am so very sorry for your loss. Ray and I send our love and prayers to you and your family. May you take some comfort in the wonderful memories you have of your mother. Let us know if you need anything!
Kathleen J. Belanec says
My dear sister, Irene, we will miss you so and especially Mom whom you cared for by and through the Lord’s grace.
Mary Weideneller says
Darcy, We are so sorry for your loss! Your Mom was wonderful – a good role model or us all! Please know that we are here for you and Steve – anything!
Mary and Fritz
julie thrasher says
Schvegas my sister! I will remember you with every toast. Hope you are happy now with Beemer and CHardonnay on the rainbow bridge. xoxoxoo
Darcy says
To my mom, my best friend… I will miss you always… it was too early for you to go for we had plans, but god had other plans…. Schvegas momma…. xoxoxox Love you, D