Irene Lois Horvath

Irene L. Horvath (née Prouty), 95, of McHenry, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

 She was born on July 2, 1929, in Chicago, the daughter of Leo C. and Irene A. (Pollow) Prouty. Irene had been a resident of McHenry since 1975, previously living in Elk Grove and Chicago.

 She was married to her beloved husband, John M. Horvath, in Evanston, IL. They shared 66 years of marriage until his passing in 2013.

 Irene is survived by her son, John A. Horvath of McHenry; her daughter, Judy E. (Horvath) Cooper of Rockford; her granddaughter, Michelle (Cooper) Wilkey of Massachusetts; and her great-grandchildren, Oliver, Ella, and Maeve Wilkey. She is also survived by numerous cousins, a loving group of nieces and nephews (including greats and great-great-greats), her sister-in-law, Mim Horvath, and many dear friends.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Loretta Phillips; her godson, Charles Peck; her stepmother, Vera Prouty; her in-laws, Stephen and Caroline Horvath; her brothers-in-law, Dean, Steve, Joe, and Mike Horvath, as well as Fred Hanssen, Sr.; her sisters-in-law, Sophie Hanssen, Ann, Marie, Pearl, and Mary Horvath, and Mary Powers; and her beloved Boston Terriers.

 A devoted Cubs fan since the age of 12, Irene was thrilled to see her beloved team win the 2016 World Series.

 She furthered her education at the American Travel Agent School and later retired from Chain-O-Lakes Travel in McHenry. A proud alumna of Steinmetz High School, she also loved attending "The Crazy Hat Gals Luncheons." Irene was active in her community, serving as a Cub Scout leader, Boy Scout den mother, and director of Hulse Cemetery in Pecatonica, IL, the resting place of her third great-grandfather, Henry Hulse.

 Passionate about genealogy, Irene held proven lineage in numerous historical societies through her Prouty ancestors. She was a member of the Kishwaukee Trail Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as registrar for 10 years, as well as a member of the Lac des Illinois Chapter of the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge, and Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims. She took great pride in her heritage, tracing 66 ancestors who arrived in America before 1701 and 55 coats of arms, including lineage back to Charlemagne and the Merovingian Dynasty. She would often remind others, "Don’t forget Lady Godiva!"

 Irene was also a member of the McHenry County Genealogical Society, the Chicago Genealogical Society, and several others. She was the family genealogist for more than 20 families, diligently maintaining and updating their records.

 She loved country music, county fairs, live shows, and, most of all, her many trips to Hawaii.

 A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, February 6, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Davenport Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake, IL. Interment will follow at Ringwood Cemetery, Ringwood, IL.