Irene Napier Obituary

Irene Mary Napier, a radiant soul whose century-long life was a testament to faith, courage, and boundless vitality, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, just shy of her 100th birthday.

Born on August 27, 1925, in Chatfield, Minnesota, Irene was the second child of Leo Tuohy and Ida Elizabeth (née Spieker) Tuohy. Her early years were marked by profound loss when her mother died after the birth of her fourth child, leaving two-year-old Irene to face the world with resilience that would define her life.

A brilliant mind, Irene, the home coming queen, graduated as valedictorian of her high school and briefly pursued a religious calling at a Catholic convent in the New York Catskills. When that path diverged, her indomitable spirit led her on an unexpected detour. Armed with bus fare from the nuns, she stopped in Milwaukee to visit a priest she knew at Marquette University. That serendipitous decision changed the trajectory of her life. The priest, recognizing her potential, arranged a full scholarship to Marquette, which she would eventually repay in full. Irene earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University and later a master’s degree in education.

It was at the Marquette bookstore that Irene met James “Jim” Lewis Napier, a twice-decorated (Bronze Star with Oak Leak Clusters) combat veteran and quiet intellectual whose reserved nature complemented her exuberant spirit. A Lieutenant in Gen. George C. Patton’s Third Army in World War II, Jim helped free as many as 70,000 POWs from Stalag VII-A in Moosburg, Germany. Jim would later serve as Vice Consul to Iceland.

Irene’s first date with Jim was nothing short of cinematic: a flight in Jim’s airplane, culminating in a landing at his family’s farm, where Irene met her future in-laws. The couple married at Gesu Church, across from the bookstore where their love story began, forging a partnership that balanced Irene’s fearless optimism with Jim’s thoughtful caution. Irene taught school, mostly to kindergarten and learning disabled children, raised her five children, and helped Jim to run Valley View Farm in Crystal Lake, Illinois. They purchased the farm from CPA Arthur Anderson.

Irene’s life was touched by divine encounters, having personally met three future saints – Padre Pio, John Paul II, and Mother Teresa. Her faith was a cornerstone, guiding her tireless advocacy for the unborn, a mission that saved countless lives. Irene was a righteous spirit, and a woman of unparalleled integrity. She never judged, and was the first to offer grace, supporting others when in need. Irene served as President of Right to Life McHenry County for many years. No politician escaped her unwavering convictions - or her many summer Pig Roasts.

Irene's smile – a beacon of joy – remained undimmed even in life’s darkest moments, and was as persuasive a tool to disarm the powerful as to comfort the needy. Her faith that God would provide complemented Jim’s prudence, building a legacy of action and impact. Her zest for life was infectious, whether she was savoring a new cocktail or, in her final months, declaring her desire to “stir things up!” Irene’s humor, warmth, and fearless spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James; her son, Walter Bruce Napier; her daughter, Madeline Mary Napier; her grandson, James L. Napier III, and her daughter-in-law Kristine Marie (née Gillett) Napier.She is survived by her son, Dr. James Lewis Napier (Patty Cisle), her daughter, Margaret Mary Napier, and her son, Robert Thomas Napier (Catherine Brennan Napier). Irene’s legacy endures through her five grandchildren—Susan Napier (Alexander Harrison Berger), Catherine Napier Fisher (Charles Drake Robinson Fisher), Olivia Brennan Napier (Brian Torbik), Robert Brennan Napier (Maria Fernanda Hernandez), and James Brennan Napier—and seven great-grandchildren: Gracie Irene Berger, Jacob Samuel Berger, James Matthew Berger, Frances Catherine Fisher, Cecelia Catherine Fisher, Griffin Napier Torbik, and Louisa Alice Fisher.

Irene M. Napier lived with purpose, loved with abandon, and faced every challenge with a smile. Her life was a masterpiece of service, courage, faith, and joy. “I take the most pride in my children,” Irene said, “they are my biggest blessing.” Her light will shine on in them, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of her life will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church in Barrington, Illinois, on Monday, July 28, 2025, with visitation starting at 9:00 am CT and her funeral mass at 10:30 am CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be shared with Aid For Women in Chicago, Illinois or Marmion Abbey in Aurora, Illinois, honoring Irene’s lifelong commitment to the sanctity of life.