IRENE P. LEWIS, age 89, of Portage, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2012. Born on February 23, 1923 in Gary, Indiana to Mary and Paul Stropke, who preceded her in death. The last survivor of eight brothers and sisters, she graduated from Emerson High School, Class of 1941. She was active in the drama department and was in numerous plays and musicals. She was a member of St. Luke's choir in Gary for many years. Irene was a homemaker who excelled at caring for her family and keeping a welcoming home. She spent many years caring for her grandsons until they were school age. Irene met the love of her life in high school, Robert Lewis, and married him on September 27, 1942. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage until he preceded her in death on April 22, 2012. Irene was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Melanie (Brooks) Gorden and her son, Brian (Jackie) Lewis. She was a proud grandmother of seven grandsons, Jason and Daniel Lewis and Adam, Brooks, Jeremy, Brett and Tyler Gorden. Irene is also survived by a large extended family.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Lewis in 2001.

In lieu of flowers, donations to VNA Hospice would be welcomed.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Irene will be Friday, June 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Rd., Portage, with additional visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 3 – 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.