In loving memory of

Irene McAndrew
March 23, 2012

Irene (Rene) E. McAndrew, 90 years old, died Friday, March 23, 2012, at her home in Keokuk, Iowa.
Rene was born January 24, 1922, in rural Nauvoo, IL to Carl and Augusta Wilkens.
Rene was united in marriage with Edward McAndrew on November 24, 1948 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Nauvoo, IL. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and faithfully sprinkled holy water on all her loved ones. Rene's passion was caring for others. She cared for her brothers on the farm and worked as a registered nurse. Rene loved her children and spent many great years caring for her grandchildren.
Rene is survived by her five children; Mary Kathryn (Stephen) Miller of Shreveport, LA, Ann (Bob Geringer) McAndrew of Palatine, IL, Mary Horras of Madison, WI, John (Colleen) McAndrew of Naperville, IL, and Trish (Chris) Foltman of Palatine, IL; twelve grandchildren, Andy (Danielle) Horras, Brian (Sara) Horras, Katy (Bryan) Cahill, Peter Miller, John McAndrew, Meghan Horras, Mary (Jon Oliver) McAndrew, Joseph McAndrew, Jeff Geringer, Jacqui Geringer, Matt Foltman, and Ally Foltman; eight great grandchildren, Lexi, Addy, Dayton, Dominic, Gabi, Liam, Elodie and Sydney. She is also survived by her two sisters, Mary Amann and Jeannie Ketcham of Hamilton, IL; two sister-in-laws, Mary Wilkens and Ann Wilkens; plus numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. There were so many special people in Rene's life including her best friend, Mary Ann Goetz and her dear neighbors, Tracy and Brian.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward, and brothers, Ambrose, Carl Junior, and Joseph Wilkens.
Irene was busy in her final days. She attended the baptism of her newest great granddaughter in Wisconsin, drank green beer for St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, got lunch at Subway and went shopping in Quincy with her sisters, and then went driving with her best friend. While she enjoyed her life, she was anticipating seeing her husband again soon. Her kindness and love was felt by so many, and her family will miss her dearly.
Will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Lathrop officiating. Burial will follow in Keokuk National Cemetery.

Visitation will be after 5:00 PM Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 1212 Concert Street with family meeting friends from 6 to 8. A Christian vigil service will be at 7:30 at the funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to All Saints Catholic Church.

Tributes

Tom Leeper wrote on Apr 23, 2012:

"I am sorry to hear about the loss your mother; my prayers go out to you. I remember when Rene McAndrew use to babysit me in the summer when I was young. Son of Betty Leeper "

Karen Forsling wrote on Mar 27, 2012:

"Rene was pure love and light. What a gift it has been to have known her. "

Jack Beaird - KCMO wrote on Mar 27, 2012:

"I will always remember Rene's smile. She always had one. From one who spent alot of time at 909 Bank. "

Patti Campbell Burgess wrote on Mar 27, 2012:

"Rene was one of the kindest, most loving people I have ever known. A very great lady! My deepest sympathy to her family. "

Kay Lynn Luft wrote on Mar 26, 2012:

"Aunt Rene was a wonderful role model as a wife, mother, grandmother, and independent woman!! My fondest memory of her was riding in the car with her on the way to Grandpa Carl's house and her slipping the car into neutral as we whizzed down the hills laughing with delight. She definitely had some influence on my decision to become a nurse. I am so sorry I cannot be with all of you this week, but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know Rene will be looking down from the heavens with her wings spread wide! Love, Kay Lynn "

Gary & Barb Pezley wrote on Mar 26, 2012:

"Our deepest sympathy for your loss."

Janet Foltman wrote on Mar 26, 2012:

"A loving, kind and gentle soul person. I will always remember our conversations at the family parties. We would talked about family and how much we would enjoy being with them. She truly loved her family with all her heart and I believe she will always watch over them. I pray that the family will find peace at this time."

Cindy Foltman wrote on Mar 26, 2012:

"Renee was a sweet and wonderful person and will be missed! My sincerest sympathies to her loving family."

Geary & Donna Foltman wrote on Mar 26, 2012:

"Sweet, sweet lady. She has left the legacy of a wonderfully kind and loving famiy to prove it. May she rest in peace. Our condolences to all of her children and their families."

Bob and Janet Steinman wrote on Mar 26, 2012:

"Gentle, quiet, kind, considerate...words used by Tessa to describe Grandma Rene. Her priority was her family and her family's priority was taking great care of Grandma Rene. What a great joy to enjoy her wisdom for many years...90 years of a wonderful life! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless Grandma Rene and let perpetual light shine upon her. Bob and Janet Steinman"

Tracy Devericks wrote on Mar 26, 2012:

"I always told Rene she was my guardian angel on earth. I have truly NEVER met anyone with such a kind and gentle heart. Her family meant the world to her. Her eyes would light up whenever she talked about them. It was so easy to see how much she loved and cherished each and every one of them. There's no doubt of how much the entire "gang next door" will miss her wonderful stories and invaluable wisdom. "

Becky Van Vickle wrote on Mar 25, 2012:

"I will remember Rene as a quiet, loving presence. She was a woman of great faith and an example to all mothers. She was so proud of all her family and felt blessed to be able to spend time with them. It was my honor to become acquainted with such a fine lady!"