Irene T McKenzie's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Irene Theresa McKenzie "Mittsie" who left us peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 1:03am at the age of 87.
Born November 11, 1937 in Springfield, Illinois the daughter of Cordelia Quintillia Moscerdelli Larson Smith and Ollie L. Larson; Irene brought love, kindness, and compassion to everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She lived a life full of happiness, generosity, and quiet strength — always putting others before herself and finding joy spending quality time with her family and life’s simplest moments. She was catholic and attended the Illinois Solders and Sailors Children's School and Orphanage in Normal, Illinois where she lived with her housemothers in the cottage for girls and attended classes onsite with the Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) who provided educational programs for the children. Irene worked as a waitress at the Lariat Steakhouse, Pagoda & Louisiane restaurant where she met her husband Kirk. Irene had a love for interior design and decoration, always wanting to go to the parade of homes, estate sale, and watch designer TV shows. She loved reading People Magazine and National Enquirer for the latest fashion trends, real life hero's, and celebrity news and gossip. She loved to shop, go to antique stores, garage sales and estate sales finding treasures for herself and others.
Irene was a devoted wife, a loving mother, aunt, and the best grandmother and great grandmother a child could ask for. She focused much of her time and attention on her grandchildren. Irene was a loyal friend, always ensuring those around her felt love and support. Her greatest pride was her family, and she spent her entire life nurturing, guiding, and loving them with all her heart. Whether it was through family traditions, fun activities and experiences, offering steady advice, or simply being present, Irene always made sure those she loved always felt cared for, valued, and cherished. She never missed the opportunity to call and check in with those she loved.
Irene was survived by her loving husband Roland Kirk McKenzie, daughter Catherine Murrell, son Cory Mitts, stepdaughter Laura Warner, nieces and nephews Barbara Crow, Roxey Cravens., Tony White, Tina Clarke, Dawn Hook, Gary and Roger Sheets, Dorene Gerry, Sandy Getz, Greg Vogel, Betsy Nailon, Julie Cashman, Chris Setina, Jeff DiAngelo, and Gina Bishop, grandchildren Melinda Clark, Justin and Christopher Mitts, and her Great Grandchildren Paxton Clark, James, Alexandria, Sophie, Clayton, Carson, and Willow Mitts who will continue to honor her life and legacy by living with the grace, love, and compassion that Irene exemplified every day.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents Cordelia and Ollie Larson, her grandparents Francesco and Rosenia Moscerdelli, and her seven siblings Louis "Junior" Cassmir Larson, Albert David Larson, Margaret Viola Sheets, Dolores June Larsen Vogel McConkey, Barbara Larson Barger, Rosemarie Larson DiAngelo, and Marilyn Clara Setina, and her niece and nephew Theresa Warren and Mickey White.
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