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.