Irene Mary DuValle

December 10, 1930 – February 15, 2026

Irene DuValle, aged 95, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the home of her daughter, Danielle.

Irene was born in Newark, NJ on December 10, 1930. She grew up in an Italian neighborhood with a large number of her aunts and uncles living in the immediate neighborhood. As a child Irene lived with her family in a three-story home which eventually would house her parents, her growing family, as well as the families of her two siblings. It was in this context of relatives and family that she was raised. From this she developed a great ability to create family wherever she was.

Irene chose to attend a vocational high school to become a seamstress. After graduating, she was a tailor for Bonwit Teller. Her craftsmanship was exquisite. She later handmade two of her daughter‘s wedding dresses.

Irene loved to dance and attended the Catholic Community dances. It was there that she met her husband, Joseph. They were a fantastic dance couple, their love of dancing they would pass on to their children. In 1950 they married and became partners for life.

Her family opened a very successful Italian restaurant and catering business which served the community for many years.

Irene had five children: James who passed at birth, Donna (Mike), Stan, Nicholle (Mike), and Danielle (Ken). Her children were the center of her world, and she raised them with a caring heart and peaceful spirit. She was very involved at the children’s school volunteering as a librarian, home economics teacher and in the classroom. Her children will always remember her sitting down with them at night and tutoring them in their lessons from school. She made gourmet treats for bake sales, and handmade necklaces for the church bazaars. Handmade necklaces would become a craft she perfected later in life, gifting them to friends and family.

Irene was a devoted Catholic attending church with her family every weekend and saying the rosary every night with her son Stan.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Stefanie (John), Anthony, Rachel (Jackson), Lauren, and Julia (Anthony). She was also a great-grandmother to Maya and Max.

Irene loved her grandchildren with deep tenderness. She delighted in spending time with them making each one feel special.

Irene loved to play cards, watch her favorite New England Patriots and Tom Brady, sing to Neil Diamond songs and read her romance novels.

Irene had a gentle heart paired with a spunky spirit and a bright, welcoming smile. While her home was centered on family, she carried her warmth wherever she went. Whether at the senior center, physical therapy or her favorite sushi restaurant, she was known for her kindness and friendliness. She treated people with respect, offered a smile freely, and made ordinary moments feel personal and warm.

She was funny, positive, and unconditionally loving. She carried herself with quiet grace and a peaceful presence that brought comfort to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of tenderness, resilience, and a family forever shaped by her love.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Adele and Louis; husband, Joseph; sister, Katherine; brother, Joseph; and son James.

We are so grateful to have had her as our mother.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Irene often made handcrafted beaded necklaces and gifted them to friends and family. We ask that if you were the recipient of a necklace that you please wear it to the celebration of Life Ceremony and/or the Funeral Mass.

Celebration of Life Ceremony: Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens

1701 Beach Blvd; Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

March 5, 2026, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass: Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church

545 A1A N #545; Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

March 6, 2026, 11:00 a.m.