Sr. Irene Gavin

Sr. Irene (Mary) Gavin, a devoted member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary for 74 years, died October 17, 2012, at Resurrection Life Center in Chicago. Sister Irene's passion in ministry was secondary education. Her legacy was one of excellence in teaching. Whether it was teaching chemistry, history, theology or being the administrator of the school, Sister Irene was clear, concise, innovative and challenging to each student and faculty member. She was blessed with a captivating Irish wit and a love of learning that she graciously passed along to others. Her students will remember her from Mother McAuley, Aquinas, St. Francis in Wheaton, Loretto Sacramento, Loretto Woodlawn, and Loretto High in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Susan (Costello) Gavin; her siblings, Joseph (Betty Penny), Rev. Russell, O. Carm, Margaret, Richard and Patrick. She is survived by her loving nieces and nephew Susanne (James) Konrath, Joseph (Carol) Gavin, and Maureen Gavan; her grandnieces/nephew Jennifer (Jeff) Coole, Kathryn (Steven) Jeretina and Joseph (fiancée Kathryn Tumen) Gavin. Visitation on Friday, 1:30 to 2:30 pm at Resurrection Life Center, 7370 W. Talcott Ave. Visitation at Loretto Convent, 1600 Somerset Ln., Wheaton, from 4 to 6:30 pm, followed by Words of Remembrance with Funeral Liturgy at 7:00 pm. Interment Saturday 10:30 a.m. at the chapel of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip. In lieu of flowers, donations to the IBVM Office of Development at Loretto Convent. Service info: (630) 668-0016 or www.williams-kampp.com.