Irene Capista

Irene Capista (nee Pearcy)
It is with deep love and gratitude that we announce the passing of Irene Capista, who peacefully left this world on November 6th, 2025 at the remarkable age of 101. Born in Charleston, Illinois on January 28, 1924. Irene lived a long and beautiful life defined by faith, family, kindness, and quiet strength. She witnessed a century of change and progress, adapting and flourishing with each new era. Irene's 101 years were a testament to a life well-lived, one filled with faith, love, joy and endless laughter. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Irene was the heart of her family as a devoted wife, mother of four children, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and a favorite aunt to many. She was known for her gentle spirit, sharp wit, and the way she made everyone she met feel understood, important and cared for. Throughout her life, Irene found joy being a mother while working full time before retiring in her 80's. Irene filled her life with helping at church, attending her children's games, babysitting, discussing "the old days," celebrating holidays surrounded by family and all the while finding time to keep her hair and nails looking new. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband Leonard Capista. Her parents Frank and Frances (nee Carter) Pearcy, two brothers Bob and Jim Pearcy and four sisters Virginia Long, Mabel Cibulka, Betty Beavias, and her twin Alene Gerl. Her son Len (Kathryn-deceased) Capista. Irene is survived by her children, sons Larry (Lecretia) Capista and Lee (Linda) Capista, daughter Linda (Calvin,deceased) Brosam and daughter-in-law Betty Capista. Her cherished grandchildren Brent (Datha) Brosam, Christina ( Anthony) Nations, Amy Capista, Alan (Theresa) Capista, Len (Amy) Capista, Rebecca Capista, Kelly (Jeff) Petrovic and Aaron (Maureen) Capista. Also survived by many loving great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her loved ones who went before her, especially her best friend and twin sister, Alene Gerl, and that her spirit will continue to guide them with the same gentle strength she showed every day of her life. The family would like to give a special thanks to her caregivers Esther and Rose who delivered incredible care and kindness throughout this past year. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Life Church, 714 Bethel at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will be held at church from 9:00 A.M. until services at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the Capista family requests memorials be made to Lightways Hospice. Entombment will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Funeral services entrusted to Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory. For information please call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com