Irene Elizabeth (Ganser) Mcnulty

Irene Elizabeth (Ganser) McNulty, a vibrant soul who graced this world for 96 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26th, 2023, surrounded by her family. Born in Mishawaka to the late Simon and Elizabeth (Szabadi) Ganser, Irene's life was a tapestry woven with love, family celebrations, and artistic flair.

She graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1945. She married the love of her life, Edward McNulty, on September 25, 1948 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Mishawaka, and had nine children. When Ed passed away in 2007, they had been married for 58 years.

She was a proud parishioner at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church since its beginning in 1950 and was a dedicated member of Christ Child Society for several decades. Irene wasn't one to sit still. Her greatest delight and source of pride was being with her family, especially her grand- and great-grandchildren.

She loved celebrations, enjoying a dessert or two, attending her grandchildren’s events, marching in the St Patrick’s Day Parade, and playing cards with her friends. She was a skilled seamstress making her own wedding gown, her own clothing and for her many children. She was an artist, creating a variety of paintings and textiles, until her final days of her journey. She was skilled at most any craft including knitting, crocheting, and quilting. She was the most resourceful person making use of most everything she encountered to keep our family running, fed, safe and sound.

She would make life fun and interesting by the simple things like dinner picnics at lake Michigan. Irene made friends wherever she went, always offering a smile to others. Irene lived a full life and will be missed dearly by her family and many good friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; sisters, Clara and Julia; and granddaughter, Lilah Peg Koscielski.

Her legacy continues through her siblings: Dorothy Mady, Helen Poure, and Albert (Madelyn); her nine children: Edward Jr. (Trudi) McNulty, Eileen (Tim) Whitlock, Pat (Linda) McNulty, Mike (Ronette) McNulty, Kathy Sherman, Mary Beth Treash, Peggy (Tony) Laskowski, Maureen McNulty, and Karen (Dave) Deranek; her beloved 24 grandchildren: Daniel (Kelly) and Alison McNulty, Matthew (Theresa)and Justin (Krissy) Whitlock, Andrew (Jessica) McNulty, Christy, Kelly, Nicholas (Andrea) and Carly McNulty, Corey (Olga) and Adam (Brittany) Sherman, Jamie (Michael) Davidson and Jonathon Treash, Franky (Paige), Catherine and Sarah Laskowski, Michael, Caitlyn, Simon (Jennifer) and Marissa Koscielski, Chloe, Keaton and Cameron Deranek; her thirteen great-grandchildren: Zoe and Ella McNulty, Liam McNulty, Brendan, Alex and Darren Sherman, Bri, Connor and William Sherman, Patrick, Anthony, and Megan Davidson, and Flora Margaret and Due in March-baby boy, Laskowski; and countless cousins, nephews,and  nieces that she so loved and enjoyed.

The family would like to express our appreciation to her caregivers and friends at Southfield Senior Living who brought joy, laughter, and comfort to Irene and her family through her final days. Irene’s memory and love will forever be cherished by her friends and family.

Please join us for a Mass of Christian Burial for Irene McNulty Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 11am at St Anthony De Padua Catholic Church, 2310 E. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, IN 46615. Visitation will be held one-hour prior. Burial will immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Christ Child at www.christchildsb.org/how-to-donate/ in Irene’s honor.