Irena (Gredys) Mach

Some people only walk this earth for a short time, their departure reminds us that angels are watching over us. The world lost a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and a friend, Irena Mach, on December 18, 2021 when she gained her wings. Irena battled cancer for the last few months of her life, yet she never stopped fighting and it never stopped her from giving us the absolute best of herself. Irena died in her home surrounded by love. She was a kind soul who always went out of her way to help others.

Irena was born in Tarnów, Poland on International Women's Day, March 8, 1959. Her birth date suited her so perfectly as she defined the perfect woman. She was a very hard and dedicated worker, working as a house manager for almost 30 years, while taking care of her two children.  She was loved beyond measure by her children, the late Dominik Mach, and Paulina (Nicholas) Lockwood.

Irena lit up any room she entered with her beauty, unique sense of fashion, spunky/funky personality, and a big mouth which always offered everyone the truth.  As many of you know, she didn't have much of a filter, but these were some of her many great traits, her honesty and boldness.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law,  Paulina and Nicholas Lockwood; grandsons, Grayson,Wesley and Skyler; her brother and sister-in-law, Marek and Jolanta Gredys; daughter-in-love, Kelly Glover; and nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 7, from 4pm until 8pm, with prayers at 7pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.  Mass will be said for both Irena and Dominik on Saturday, January 8, at 11am with a visitation to begin at 10am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 10 N Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove.   Burial will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, Palatine.