Irene Bittner Obituary

At her home in Chicago with the strains of Bing Crosby's "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" summoning the last beats of her Irish heart. Irene Marie Bittner's life on this Earth ended at noon on September 14, 2022. As she had lovingly and dutifully done for her entire adult life Irene's daughter Renee stood at her mother's side.

Irene was born on January 28, 1928, in Chicago and grew up in LaSalle. As a young woman, Irene's natural beauty did not go unnoticed. At just a young age she was crowned "Baby Illinois". She later went on to be crowned "Miss Dairy Dream Girl" at the Illinois State Fair by Bob Hope and two-time U.S. Presidential candidate, Adlai Stevenson. Irene graduated from the University of Illinois at a time when female college grads were not a common demographic. Her intellect, wit and astounding memory, which served her until the end, would have readily qualified her for any vocation or profession. Instead, as with most women of her generation, Irene chose a busy life of motherhood raising four children. Renee, Denise, Diane, and Mark

She relocated to fashionable Cherry Creek in Denver where she managed the elegant Stationery Company. For decades Irene was no stranger to travel as she ventured around a couple continents with Renee's family, including two of her grandchildren Bjorn and Bianca. Europe-Africa-Southeast Asia-UK were some of her destinations. She enjoyed Vietnam and World Heritage sites such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the ancient treasures boating on the Nile. However, her all-time favorite trip was the safari in Kenya where she celebrated her 80th birthday with Renee's family.

Not surprising for the daughter of a veterinarian, Irene was always an animal lover her entire life. However, it was only when granddaughter Bianca while living in Florence rescued a stray kitten and asked her to take the kitten back to the US that Irene became a devoted cat lover. Later it would be Miss Maggie, who would become her feline shadow until Irene's last breath.

In her memory "The Irene Bittner Fund for Senior Cat Care" has been established at the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society. This fund will underwrite a special area for senior cats. Ribbon cutting will be in 2023.