Irene Howanec, 100, of Woodridge IL, formerly of Marion Heights, passed away April 11, 2026 at the home of her daughter Donna, with whom she resided.

She was born in Atlas, May 20th, 1925 to the late Orest and Anna (Chupak) Stuchlak.

She was a 1943 graduate of Mt. Carmel Township High School. After graduation she worked at Lady Jane garment factory and later at Hanover Brands food processing plant of Bloomsburg.

She married Myron Howanec on May 17th,1952 in SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church in Mt. Carmel where she was also a choir member.

After marriage she resided in Marion Heights and became a member of the Patronage of the Mother of God Church where she was a choir member and pyrohy worker.

She is survived by her children, Donna Novack and her husband John of Woodridge, IL, Myron Jr. and his wife Laurie of Corona, CA, and David and his wife Chong of Aurora, CO. She is also survived by her sisters Helena Watcher of Mt. Joy, PA and Amelia Balandovich of Bethlehem, PA. She has seven grandchildren, John Howanec, Tim Howanec and his wife Sarah, Scott Novack and his wife Laura, Marissa Desai and her husband Nirav, Lindsay Howanec, Hayley Morgan and her husband Connor, and Daniel Howanec. She also has nine great-grandchildren, Jayden Howanec, Brett and Myron Howanec, Noah, Caleb, Sophia and Evelyn Novack, Lincoln Morgan and Mia Desai.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Myron; brothers, Joseph, Russell, and Very Rev. John Stuchlak and her sisters Martha, Anna and Mary.

HOWANEC - Irene Howanec, 100, of Woodridge, IL. Divine Liturgy will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 am in Patronage of the Mother of God Church, Marion Heights. Interment will follow in SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Mt. Carmel Township. A visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the church prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Patronage of the Mother of God Church, c/o Transfiguration Church, 303 North Shamokin Street, Shamokin, PA 17872. Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 South Market Street, Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor has been entrusted with the arrangements. To offer condolences or share photos of Irene with her family, please sign the guestbook below.