Irene R. Deprey

Irene R. DePrey, age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence. She was born on September 12, 1928 the daughter of the late Clement and Emma (Cody) Nowak in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Irene was united in marriage to Bernard DePrey on May 26, 1951 at St. Mary's of the Angels, Green Bay. After a honeymoon to Yellowstone they started their life in Green Bay. While always wanting children, they were blessed with four daughters: Joan, Mary, Ann, and Ellen; and two sons: Paul and Joseph. Her love of flowers was always evident in not only her beautiful flower gardens, but her orchids were ever blooming. Working at Schroeder's Flowers was the icing on the cake. Speaking of cake, Irene was truly a wonderful cook, but her pies, cakes, cookies, and candy were enjoyed but anyone lucky enough to indulge. Here popcorn balls were known to cause a problem when down to the last two. Being an avid reader, she made many trips to the East side library to pick up 6-8 books every week and always stopped to chat with Nancy, Diane, Molly, and Bobbie. Irene had many years of fun at the cottage on the Bay. She was always happy to have guests, great meals, and enjoyed along with sailing, skiing, swimming, and was even adventurous enough to try a jet ski. Irene was truly an animal lover, she had: canaries, dogs, cats, hamsters, and parakeets. She enjoyed feeding the birds all winter, especially the cardinals. The favorites were the poodles, Patty and Nikki (toys) and Alex (standard). The last pet was very special, a calico cat that was fondly known as "Runt". Bridge was a game she played for many years; started by Irene and her neighbors, Barb and Nancy, they added, Joan, Judy, MaryLou, Marie, and Sandy; they played and laughed together for more than 40 years. Some people think they had the best Mom, and they can think that, but we know that we had the BEST! We are so lucky to have been shown the many skills that made us just a little bit like her.

Irene is survived by her beloved husband, Bernard, of 71 years, children: Joan (Gary) Schuette, Mary (Jim) Imoehl, Ann (Scott) Merline, and Ellen DePrey; grandchildren: Adam Falk, Ashley (Zach) Cuomo, Michael (Jackie) Merline, David Merline, and Sarah (Aaron) Wade, great-grandchildren: Devon, Ariel, Kellin, Aiden, Soren, and Elsie; sisters-in-law: Joan Hogan, Ann De Prey, Mary Rose De Prey, and Ceil De Prey; further survived by nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons: Paul and Joseph DePrey, and all her siblings: Clement (Genevieve) Nowak, Leon (Lorraine) Nowak, Genevieve (Armond) VanIten, Dorothy (Don) Mohr, MaryAnn (Dan) O'Brien, Jane (Louis) Tauscher, and Bernice (Hilary) Boncher.

Friends and family may gather at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, Receptions, 340 S Monroe Ave. on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm for a time to share memories and Irene's cookies.

The family would like to extend a thank you to Unity Hospice for the excellent care, comfort and support that was given to Irene and the family.