Irene Kulcsar Ditmars

Irene Kulcsar Ditmars, age 75, of Ballwin, Missouri passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 14th surrounded by her loving family.



Irene was born on June 20th 1949 in Gary, Indiana, to the late Paul Balint and Elizabeth (Takats) Kulcsar. Irene is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Dennis Ditmars and by her daughters and grandchildren: Amy (Scott) Kordonowy of Peoria, Illinois and their daughter Elle Renee Kordonowy and Julie Ditmars (Seth Dewhirst) of Monticello, Illinois and their children Ruby Elizabeth Dewhirst, Alice Maureen Dewhirst, and Louis Aaron Dewhirst. Irene is also survived by her three sisters, Diane (Tim) Klump of Flushing, MI, Karen (John) Sterns of Severance, CO, and Elizabeth (Tim) Kragh of Estero, FL; and step-brother: Jim (Sharon) Lake. Surviving nieces and nephews include her Godson Bryan Paul Klump, Matthew (Amy) Klump, Emily (Scott) Herriman, Samuel Sterns, Madeline Sterns, and Kelli Jayne Kragh and five great nephews and one great niece. Irene is also survived by beloved cousins: Barb (Mick) Basila and Megan, Carylann Ploski and Linda Toth; and very special "sister" friends, Judith Rose and Dawn (Bob) Lowry. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother Margaret, step-brother Richard (Karen) Lake and her big sister, Suzanne Connor.



Irene first attended Edison High School and then graduated from Highland High School in 1967. She then went on to Purdue University earning her degree in Elementary Education in 1972.

Irene married Dennis Ditmars on June 26, 1976 at Grace Reformed Church and recently celebrated 48 years of marriage.

Irene taught elementary school, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and was an administrative assistant and receptionist. She was a nanny and babysitter for several families over the years who grew to love her as a second mom and grandma. Irene was an AVON Representative for more than 35 years in Texas and Missouri meeting many new friends along the way.

Irene was a longtime member of a service sorority that raised money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She was always willing to support and help others in need with her positive attitude and helping hand.

Irene was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt and friend to many. She always had a smile ready for the next new friend she would meet and regularly surprised her friends, family and her grandchildren with small gestures (thoughtful notes, flower bouquets, books, jewelry or AVON) to show her thoughtfulness. Irene had a positive attitude even during tough times, when she relied on her Christian faith and prayers. She always tried to look for the best in every situation, no matter how big the challenge. Irene had so many friends from all of her different life experiences and she took time to stay in touch with them to maintain their friendships, even despite many miles and years that separated them.

Additionally, Irene loved to dance to her favorite singer, Michael Jackson. She played countless games of Scrabble with her family and enjoyed uncontrollable laughs during family gatherings. Irene had a creative spirit and knew how to enjoy life to its fullest, especially when it came to her favorite dessert: dark chocolate.

One of Irene's favorite adventures was her yearly Sister Weekend trip. Irene and her sisters, cousin and two friends enjoyed 35 years of these "sister bonding" weekends where special memories were made until the group gathered the following year. Irene and her sisters were especially proud of their Hungarian heritage and kept the memories of their childhood and family background alive by cooking traditional Hungarian dishes, recounting their families' past and using special Hungarian phrases during family celebrations.

Irene will be greatly missed by many and we wish to honor her with a Celebration of Life in Peoria, Illinois at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria at 1pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Zoom and recorded service options will be available.

Service Zoom link: https://bit.ly/3sxzsci

Phone only: Call 312-626-6799 using Meeting ID 999 7726 7210 and Passcode 1843

Please contact Amy Kordonowy at akordonowy@gmail.com for more details or additional questions. Please kindly leave an email address (or phone number) after your message on this site, if you wish to be contacted by the family.

In lieu of flowers, please contact Amy Kordonowy.