Irene Ney

Irene Ney, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 12, 2012, her wedding anniversary, at The Retreat at Watersong in Viera, FL. She is survived by her devoted husband, Peter and her children Judy, Naples, FL; Gary, Naples, FL; Bob, Dillon, CO; and Anne, Philadelphia, PA. Irene is also survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Frances Paulu, but survived by her brother, Norman Paulu, Boulder, CO and sister, Maryanne Koch, Fox Chapel, PA. Irene enjoyed a distinguished career in Marketing for AT&T and Ameritech, but her passions were education for children and working for peace. She volunteered at many children's organizations including the People's Emergency Center in Philadelphia, PA and Headstart in Cocoa, FL. She wrote a monthly peace column for theand sent numerous letters and editorials to politicians and officials fighting for social justice issues. She was also an avid lover of music, teaching her grandchildren piano and singing in the church choir. Born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, she lived a full life touring the world, devoting herself to generations of family and working tirelessly to promote peace and equity in her community and the larger world. She touched many, many lives and will be missed tremendously. All who knew her are better for it. Irene was an involved and long time member of Rockledge Presbyterian Church where a Memorial Celebration will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Contributions in her memory may be made to National Head Start Association at www.nhsa.org and Florida Hospices & Palliative Care 2000 Apalachee Parkway, Suite 200 Tallahassee, FL 32301.