Irene Marie Dubet Bokry, 85, died peacefully at her home in Savannah, Georgia, on December 18, 2025. Born on October 27, 1940, in Cholet, France, Irene was the beloved daughter of Georges Sr. and Reine Dubet, who raised her amid the challenges of wartime and postwar France. Her childhood was rooted in family, faith, and the simple pleasures of summers by the sea, memories that inspired her lifelong love of the ocean.

As a young woman, Irene was intelligent, lively, independent, and full of character. While visiting Rochefort, France, she met Donald Joseph Bokry, an American serviceman stationed there. They married in Cholet in January 1962, and Irene began a bold new chapter, leaving her homeland and moving to the United States. Although Irene and Donald later divorced, the care and affection between them endured, and she remained devoted to him through his final illness.

Irene raised her daughters, Marilyn, and Brigitte, with determination and courage. As a single mother, she built a respected career at Memorial Hospital, where her intelligence, composure, and gift for planning and organization served her well in the demanding work of coordinating the operating room. She met life’s difficulties with resilience and worked tirelessly to provide for her family.

Irene was happiest near the water and carried warm memories of French beaches, seaside camping, fresh seafood, and evening carnivals throughout her life. She also had a tender heart for animals, especially her cats, whom she famously served on her good ceramic dishes while using plastic plates herself. Strong-willed and deeply independent, Irene valued living life on her own terms. Those who took the time to know her discovered her wit, originality, loyalty, and capacity for enduring love.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents and by Donald. She is survived by her brother, Georges, and his family in France; her daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Eugene of the Savannah area; her daughter Brigitte, husband Tom, and son Patrick of South Florida; and Marilyn’s children, Justin and his wife Teresa, Amanda and her husband Reed, and Ben. She is also remembered by her great-grandchildren, Daisy, Kaya, and Belle.

In her later years, Irene was surrounded by the steadfast care of her family, friends, neighbors, and community. Their support helped her remain in the home she loved for as long as possible, and she ultimately passed exactly where she wished to be, peacefully, in her own bed. Her family remembers with gratitude everyone who visited, brought groceries and treats, made repairs, offered encouragement, and helped care for her.

Irene’s life spanned two countries and generations of change, yet the bonds of family remained. She will be remembered as a courageous immigrant, a devoted mother and grandmother, a capable professional, an animal lover, and a woman of unmistakable spirit. Her strength, independence, and love will remain with all who knew her. Funeral services were held in December 2025.