Irene Watson

Irene Watson

(Nee Cornale)

Age 90 of Coal City, passed away Thursday September 20, 2012 at her home.

Born November 3, 1921 in South Wilmington, Irene was a daughter of Matthew and Kathryn Cacello-Cornale. She was raised and educated in South Wilmington; was valedictorian of her eighth grade class and graduated from Gardner High School with the class of 1939. On May 4, 1940, Irene married George Watson and together they made their home in Coal City.

Irene was employed by the William Fox Children's Center in Dwight where she worked for 25 years as a caregiver and mental health technician. She was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City and devoted herself as a constant caregiver to her husband George after he suffered a severe stroke and battled cancer. Irene was a very compassionate and caring person who always put her family first. She rarely missed the opportunity to send food to any sick neighbor or funeral dinner. She will be remembered for the doughnuts she baked for the Girl Scouts and the pies she made for her family and friends. Irene's greatest gift to all who knew her was her generous and giving nature.

Survivors include: four children: Dennis (Betty) Watson, Sr. of Coal City, Cheryl (Jimmy) Berta of Dwight, Ronald (Rita) Watson of Naperville and Lana (John, Jr,) Pogliano of Walnut; ten beloved grandchildren: Dennis (Laura) Watson, Jr. of Coal City, David (Wendy) Watson of Abbotsford, Wisconsin, Daniel (Augie) Watson of Morris, Brian (Christine) Berta of Dwight, Sherri (Marty) Hatzer of Pontiac, Kevin (Stacie) Berta of Dwight, Dr. Jennifer (Jake) Kilgrow of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Michelle (Ryan) Warrington of Algonquin, John (Marcia) Pogliano, III and Kristin (Jay) Ledergerber; twenty-four great grandchildren: Nicholas (Stephanie) Watson, Jason Watson, Tiffany Watson, Holly (Cole) Watson-Phillips, Craig Watson, Samantha Watson, Anthony Berta, Aaron Hatzer, Ashlee Hatzer, Cody Hatzer, Kathryn Berta, Elizabeth Berta, Charles "Red" Kilgrow, Charlotte Kilgrow, Jackson Warrington, Reese Warrington, John Pogliano IV, Jeremy Pogliano, Jessica Poglinao, Jacob Poglinao, Hunter Sebby, Haley Sebby, Liana Ledergerber and Paige Ledergerber, and five great-great grandchildren: Brooke, Emma, Doyle, Austin, and Ashlee as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husband George; sisters: Margaret Campo. Dorothy Tilmann and infant sister and brother: Martin Cornale.

A special thanks to her loving caretakers: Lori Rodriguez, Karen Swyndro, and Dixie Holiman and her wonderful Dr. William Stapleton and nurse, Laura.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Friday, September 21, 2012 between the hours of 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Saturday September 22, 2012 from 9:00 until time of funeral service 10:00 am at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Reverend Robert Noesen from Assumption Catholic Church will officiate and burial will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery. Irene's grandsons and granddaughters will act as pallbearers.

Preferred memorial may be made as gifts in Irene's memory to Grundy County Community Volunteer Hospice or to a charity of the donor's choosing.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City (815-634-2125)