Irene Balli

Irene Balli was born on April 30, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on June 6, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.

Irene graduated from Hirsch High School in Chicago. She later served her country briefly in the United States Army and spent much of her life living between Chicago, Illinois, and McAllen, Texas.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, empathy, love, resilience, and the unmistakable toughness she carried from her Chicago roots. If Irene could read this obituary herself, she would probably say, “You’s better not be crying over me, and you’s better not spend any money on my funeral.”

Irene was truly one of God’s most memorable creations. Throughout her life, she worked in a variety of roles, including in hospitals and with the Teamsters where she built a career before retiring . After her working years, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She spent much of her life raising her grandchildren: Caressa Barrera, Nicole Barrera, and Joshua Barrera.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Rosa Balli, and by her sisters, Irma Balli and Imelda Balli.

She leaves behind her beloved sisters, Idalia Resa, Ida Rodriguez, Iris Serrano, Inez Balli, and Anna Balli; her cherished grandchildren, Nicole Barrera, Caressa Barrera, and Joshua Barrera; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Though Irene has entered eternal rest, a part of her remains in everyone whose life she touched. Her strength, humor, generosity, and determination will continue to inspire all who loved her.

As she would say, “Let’s get motivated.”