Irene Marie (Naxera) Hamous, 93, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, after suffering complications from a recent fall. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Brosh. Burial will be in Czech National Cemetery.

Irene was born Feb. 2, 1933, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of George and Alma (Hajny) Naxera. She was a lifelong Cedar Rapids resident. Irene's mother died unexpectedly from a tragic car accident in 1957, and out of her grief, Irene became determined to always go out of her way to be there for others. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and she was also famous for "mothering" others who needed her care. Irene never met a stranger, and she is remembered by all who knew her as a warm and welcoming presence.

Irene was united in marriage with Don Hamous on June 6, 1953. They were married 68 years and were able to spend many years travelling in the U.S. and Europe. They made frequent trips to the Czech Republic where they maintained close ties with Czech family members. Irene and Don enjoyed traveling around much of this beautiful United States by automobile and later by motor home. Frequent trips were made to Wichita, KS to visit Steve and Janet and family. A favorite motor home destination was the Tampa and Petersburg area of Florida from January to March. And yes, they got home in time to see the Cedar Rapids snow melt!

One of their other favorite pastimes was combing through garage sales, thrift shops and antique markets to add to their many collections.

Irene kept very busy her entire life. She was a lifetime member of NCSML, NCSML Guild, CSA, ZCBJ “Zapadni Cesko Bratrska Jednota” (Western Bohemian Fraternal Association) Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church, Central Park Presbyterian Church, (where she sang in their choir) First Presbyterian Church, Czech National Cemetery board, Seminole Vally Farm board (Board President) and the Czech Women’s Educational board. She was also a 60-year Sokol member and taught several tots and small girl’s classes.

Irene was awarded Aristotelian membership at Wilson High School where she graduated in the class of 1951. She was an avid quilter and supplied family members with warm, cozy quilts. Irene was also known for her love of baking, and she delighted many people with a freshly baked Vanocka at Christmastime, or a plate of her traditional butter cookies.

Irene was most proud of her Czech heritage and was a tireless supporter of the Czech community. Through her work with and support of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, she was able to make a significant contribution to educating the public about the Czech culture and traditions. She and her husband Don donated the funds necessary to build the Museum’s rotating Czech costume (Kroj) display, and many of her family Kroj are highly valued pieces of the museum’s costume collection.

Family members fondly recall her efforts to support special events where she outfitted family members in authentic Czech costumes to march in various parades held in Czech Village.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, her brothers Vic and Max Naxera, her granddaughter, Sarah Hamous, and many beloved cousins.

She is survived by her two sons Bruce (Barbara) Hamous of Cedar Rapids and Steve (Janet) Hamous of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Brandon (Sandy) Hamous, James Hamous, Christina (Nick) Stanbrough, AJ Hamous, and Michael Hamous; and nine great grandchildren.

A memorial for Irene has been established with the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library,1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52404.