Irene P. Van Den Abeele, 97, passed away at home on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Irene was born on July 1, 1924, in Mishawaka to Irma (Sacchini) and Ugo Lombardini, both of whom preceded her in death.
After graduating from Mishawaka High School in 1942 Irene was employed by the United States Naval Administration in South Bend during World War II. After the war she was employed as a stenographer by Wheelabrator Fry Corp. in Mishawaka.
Irene was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church in Mishawaka where on April 12, 1947, she married Camiel Van Den Abeele who survives. She is also survived by a son John Van Den Abeele of Mishawaka and many of her cousins. Irene’s aunts & uncles and some of her cousins predeceased her.
After becoming a mother in 1952 Irene remained a homemaker. Irene, Camiel & John, and sometimes Irene’s parents, enjoyed vacations together to many states and national parks. They also enjoyed day trips to visit family, attend family reunions and to Lake Michigan and Shipshewana.
Irene often sang songs at home, including favorite songs from her life & times and Italian songs in the Emiliana-Romagnola dialect once spoken in Santarcangelo di Romagna in the province of Rimini Emilia-Romagna Italy from where her grandparents emigrated early in the 20th century. Irene will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be 11-1 pm on Friday, July 23rd at Hahn Funeral Home in Mishawaka. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Irene may be made to St. Bavo’s Church or Heartland Hospice of Mishawaka.
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