Irene Bere

Irene M. Bere, 94 of Downers Grove, passed away July 4, 2021 at Oak Trace Senior Living in Downers Grove, recently moving from Lakeview, Arkansas. She was born August 23, 1926 in Aurora, IL the daughter of the late Sigmond and Elizabeth (Abraham) Bere.


Irene worked for many years at the Merchants National Bank in Aurora and at the time of her retirement was Vice President in charge of the Women’s Division. She was a graduate of the American Institute of Banking and was very active in the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Aurora as well as a member of Second Presbyterian Church. Currently Irene was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, having served in various capacities there.


After meeting with Irene, you always knew that she was a force of nature and she never refused a call for help, always coming to the aid of others while she was able.


Irene is survived by her sister, Bette Gebhart of Downers Grove, IL, three nephews; James (Jodene) Vanjoske of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Jeffrey (Sally) Vanjoske of Supply, North Carolina and John (Lisa) Vanjoske of Potomac, Maryland; and their children; Christopher, Aaron and Alex Vanjoske of Minnesota, Megan and Rachel Vanjoske of Potomac, Maryland and Amanda Holder of Shallotte, North Carolina as well as 9 great-grand nieces and nephews, relatives in Hungary and many dear friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Julia Bere Vanjoske.

Funeral service will be held Monday 10:00 a.m. July 12, 2021 at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora, Il 60506. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts to Bull Shoals Food Pantry, 1013 Lakeshore Rd., Bull Shoals, Arkansas 72619 or to Second Presbyterian Church, 1201 Superior Street, Aurora, IL 60505 are suggested. For further information please call (630) 897-9291 or visit our website at www.healychapel.com to sign the online guestbook.