Obituary of Irene M. Roth
Irene M. Roth “Murph” Age 96, passed away peacefully, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox on March 21, 2023. She was the beloved wife of William J. Roth (“Willie”), and the cherished mother of six sons, William (Bonnie), Michael (Julie), Thomas (Sue), James (Luanne), Robert (Kim) and John (Kim). She was adored by her 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
The daughter of Irish immigrants, William and Rose (McGovern) Murphy, Murph was born on December 13, 1926 in Manhattan, Illinois and grew up in Joliet. She graduated from Joliet Township High School and Joliet Junior College before she and her twin sister Arlene joined United Airlines as the first team of identical twin stewardesses. Through 65 years of her wonderful marriage to Willie, she inspired her family with love, grace and compassion. As best friends and partners, they travelled together to many parts of the world, often with family and close friends. She was always active and adventurous with a love for any occasion to gather with family and friends for laughter and fun. Murph met people with welcoming arms and an open heart, bringing joy and comfort through her dedication to making life better for others through countless organizations and volunteer activities.
Murph was a distinguished member of St. Raymond’s parish, and honored supporter of Joliet Catholic High /Academy. She lived her faith and was an active member of the Joliet community for many decades. She was blessed over the past decade to be embraced by the close knit community of the Village at Our Lady of Angels where she enjoyed many events and luncheons with the residents, who started as neighbors and soon became dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, William J. “Willie” Roth; her parents; one son, William; her twin sister, Arlene (Chuck) Repenn; her sister Elaine (in infancy); and her brothers, Russell (Wilma) Murphy and Vernon (Dolores) Murphy.
She will be missed and remembered lovingly by all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus at 604 N. Raynor Ave, Joliet, Illinois. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet .
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to St. Raymond Nonnatus Catholic Church, Joliet Catholic Academy, or the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate would be appreciated.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
