IN MEMORIAM
Family and friends have identified the following deceased as champions for the Right to Life movement. Many have donated to this cause in the name of their loved one.
Irene M. Napier
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Irene Mary Napier, a radiant soul whose century-long life was a testament to faith, courage, and boundless vitality, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, just shy of her 100th birthday.
Born on August 27, 1925, in Chatfield, Minnesota, Irene was the second child of Leo Tuohy and Ida Elizabeth (née Spieker) Tuohy. Her early years were marked by profound loss when her mother died after the birth of her fourth child, leaving two-year-old Irene to face the world with resilience that would define her life. A brilliant mind, Irene, the home coming queen, graduated as valedictorian of her high school and briefly pursued a religious calling at a Catholic convent in the New York Catskills. When that path diverged, her indomitable spirit led her on an unexpected detour. Armed with bus fare from the nuns, she stopped in Milwaukee to visit a priest she knew at Marquette University. That serendipitous decision changed the trajectory of her life. The priest, recognizing her potential, arranged a full scholarship to Marquette, which she would eventually repay in full. Irene earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University and later a master’s degree in education. It was at the Marquette bookstore that Irene met James “Jim” Lewis Napier, a twice-decorated (Bronze Star with Oak Leak Clusters) combat veteran and quiet intellectual whose reserved nature complemented her exuberant spirit. A Lieutenant in Gen. George C. Patton’s Third Army in World War II, Jim helped free as many as 70,000 POWs from Stalag VII-A in Moosburg, Germany. Jim would later serve as Vice Consul to Iceland. Irene’s first date with Jim was nothing short of cinematic: a flight in Jim’s airplane, culminating in a landing at his family’s farm, where Irene met her future in-laws. The couple married at Gesu Church, across from the bookstore where their love story began, forging a partnership that balanced Irene’s fearless optimism with Jim’s thoughtful caution. Irene taught school, mostly to kindergarten and learning disabled children, raised her five children, and helped Jim to run Valley View Farm in Crystal Lake, Illinois. They purchased the farm from CPA Arthur Anderson. Irene’s life was touched by divine encounters, having personally met three future saints – Padre Pio, John Paul II, and Mother Teresa. Her faith was a cornerstone, guiding her tireless advocacy for the unborn, a mission that saved countless lives. Irene was a righteous spirit, and a woman of unparalleled integrity. She never judged, and was the first to offer grace, supporting others when in need. Irene served as President of Right to Life McHenry County for many years. No politician escaped her unwavering convictions - or her many summer Pig Roasts. Irene's smile – a beacon of joy – remained undimmed even in life’s darkest moments, and was as persuasive a tool to disarm the powerful as to comfort the needy. Her faith that God would provide complemented Jim’s prudence, building a legacy of action and impact. Her zest for life was infectious, whether she was savoring a new cocktail or, in her final months, declaring her desire to “stir things up!” Irene’s humor, warmth, and fearless spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James; her son, Walter Bruce Napier; her daughter, Madeline Mary Napier; her grandson, James L. Napier III, and her daughter-in-law Kristine Marie (née Gillett) Napier.She is survived by her son, Dr. James Lewis Napier (Patty Cisle), her daughter, Margaret Mary Napier, and her son, Robert Thomas Napier (Catherine Brennan Napier). Irene’s legacy endures through her five grandchildren—Susan Napier (Alexander Harrison Berger), Catherine Napier Fisher (Charles Drake Robinson Fisher), Olivia Brennan Napier (Brian Torbik), Robert Brennan Napier (Maria Fernanda Hernandez), and James Brennan Napier—and seven great-grandchildren: Gracie Irene Berger, Jacob Samuel Berger, James Matthew Berger, Frances Catherine Fisher, Cecelia Catherine Fisher, Griffin Napier Torbik, and Louisa Alice Fisher. Irene M. Napier lived with purpose, loved with abandon, and faced every challenge with a smile. Her life was a masterpiece of service, courage, faith, and joy. “I take the most pride in my children,” Irene said, “they are my biggest blessing.” Her light will shine on in them, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. |
Julia (Pickens) Holkenbrink
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Julia was born on Aug 25,1954 in Dieterich, IL. The daughter of Ivan and Loreen (Miller) Pickens. She married Frank Holkenbrink on Dec 26, 1975, in St Paul's Lutheran Church, Wheeler, IL.
Julie was a loving wife, mother, and a homemaker. In 1974 she graduated from Eastern Il. University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She loved cooking, baking, and trying new recipes. When not busy in the kitchen, you could find her outside in her beautifully tended garden. Throughout her career outside of the home she held a variety of jobs. Including Office Administrator and Supervisor of Quality Control for Chase Credit Card Division. Julie was the proud mother of 2 children, Sarah Lynne (Andrew) Pernsteiner of Shaker Heights, Ohio and Frank Gregory (Amber) Holkenbrink of Verona, WI. She also has 3 grandchildren Jake, Joe and Lauren Pernsteiner and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by husband Frank and her sisters Peggy (Fred) Ostermeier of Chatham IL., Joan (Russell) Higgins of Normal IL., Kay (Ken) Jones of Collinsville, IL. Brothers: Ed Pickens of Advance, Mo and Curtis Pickens of Wapakoneta, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents Loreen (Miller) Pickens (87) and Cecil Iven Pickens (87), her sister Marie (Pickens) Herdes (69) and sister in-law Diane (Gaddis) Pickens (40). In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Right to Life of McHenry County. |
Melissa Duda
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Melissa M. Duda passed away in Woodstock January 7, 2023. She was born July 25, 1955 in Chicago to Francis and Marion Russ.
Melissa was Vice President of mortgages for St. Paul Federal Loan. She was the consummate homemaker; dress designer and crafter; sharing her talents with all. Melissa hosted Bunco Groups and Bunco activities and loved to cruise the neighborhood with her golf cart, helping her friends and neighbors. She will be remembered for her loving smile, beautiful laughter, and her great sense of humor. Melissa had an open, giving heart and made her house a loving home for her family and friends. Melissa is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Thaddeus "Ted"; children, Helene Marie Duda, Laura Anne Gravenor, and Michael Thaddeus Duda; grandchildren, Jane, Cora, and Faye Gravenor; and sister, Donna Russ Hilmers. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Linda Russ Shawala. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Right to Life of McHenry County. |
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