Irene Marie Kazwara, 99, of Memphis, Missouri, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Schyler County Nursing Home in Queen City, Missouri, surrounded by family and friends.

Irene was born August 15, 1926, the daughter of Francis and Anna Kuczewska Dmochowski in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood.

She attended Fenger High School in Chicago, Illinois.

Irene had several careers in her life time, working for Sears in Chicago, Illinois, JC Penney's, Tippett Oil Company, Cooks Men's Store and Caseys in Memphis, Missouri and the Internal Revenue Service in Kansas City, Missouri. She also owned at the Grub House restaurant, a shoe repair shop and Izecream Shop, among other ventures.

Active in the community for decades, Irene was instrumental in launching the Memphis Meals on Wheels program, a member of St. John's Catholic Church and a frequent cast or crew member with the Memphis Community Players.

Keenly smart, gently funny and always understanding, Irene's greatest gifts were making all feel welcome and caring for those in need. She enjoyed fishing and playing cards and cooking for special church events.

Irene is survived by beloved friends Betty Fetters, Ann Gray and Delaney Gundy. A special thanks to the Schyler County Nursing Home family that cared for Irene and took her into their family.

A devoted sister, she was preceded in death by Jean (Freddie) Vinciguerra, Sue (Roy) Janes, Bernice (Wally) Juszczynski, Eleanor (Willie) Salmon, Sophie (Del) Peloquin, Sally (Don) Arvia, Ceil (Mario) Molo and Frankie Dmochowski.

She was a cherished aunt, godmother and great-aunt to many, including, Sandy, Dennis, Doris, Wayne, Craig, Barbie, Dallas, Douglas, Janet, Linda, David, Pamela, Chuck and Phil.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Memphis, Missouri.

Her friends may gather at the church Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Father Rob Fields will be officiating and music will be provided by Nancy Reardon and Brent Karhoff.

An expression of sympathy in memory of Irene Kazwara may be left to the St. John's Catholic Church or the Nutrition Site. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Memphis Funeral Home 378 S. Market Street, Memphis, Missouri 63555.