Irene Gargano

Irene L. Gargano, 91, of Moline passed away February 5, 2022 at Hope Creek Care Center in East Moline.

A memorial visitation will be 4-7pm Friday, February 18, 2022 at Schroder Mortuary, Silvis. A celebration of life will be at a later date as well as a burial at Bishop Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bishop Hill Heritage Association or Bishop Hill Old Settlers Association.

Irene was born February 14, 1930 on the family farm in Bishop Hill, IL the daughter of Forrest and Ruby (Nelson) Olson. She graduated from Galva High School in 1948 and attended Western Illinois University for 2 years to study art. Irene married Carl L. Gargano March 23, 1957 in Davenport, IA. He passed away July 1, 2016. Irene was a freelance commercial artist. She illustrated advertisements for Petersen Harned Von Maur and McCabe’s department stores. She also dressed windows for Parker’s department store in downtown Davenport. Irene was a lifetime member of the McKinley School PTA in Moline. She loved baking. She was a talented painter, seamstress, and quilter. Her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews meant the world to her.

Survivors include her children David Gargano of Moline, Cynthia Lewis of Moline, and Lori (Tony) Serra of Silvis; granddaughters Ociana Lewis, Victoria (Daniel) Schoess, Olivia (Shane) Newbanks, and Andria (Justin) Cain; great grandchildren Levi Schoess, Benjamin Newbanks, and Dean Cain.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Marie Blodgett, brother Stanley, and a sister Ottillie Olson.