Irene Arkin

Irene was born on July 25, 1937, in New York City, where she spent most of her life. For 56 of those years, she lived in the same studio apartment on the Lower East Side, a place she proudly called home.

She was the daughter of Jack Arkin and Betty Sarter and was also raised with the love of her stepfather, Nathan Sarter. All three predeceased her.

Irene shared 36 years of her life with her beloved partner, Joe, until his passing in 1998. Joe was the love of her life. The years they shared together meant everything to her, and he remained in her heart for the rest of her life.

Irene is survived by her sister, Gilda, and her brothers, Lenny (Janet) and Alvin (Kathi). Her brother Howie (Myrna) and brother-in-law Jack predeceased her.

Family was everything to Irene. She loved all her nieces and nephews and held a particularly special place in her heart for her nephew Jamie, his husband, Trevor, and their children.

After spending most of her life in New York, Irene moved to Cary, North Carolina, where she spent her final five and a half years surrounded by family while making many new friends. Those years brought new memories, laughter, and happiness. Through it all, Irene remained exactly who she had always been, with the unmistakable personality that made her so special to everyone who knew and loved her.

Irene passed away on October 31, 2026, surrounded by her family, just as she would have wanted. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she was deeply loved, lovingly cared for, and never alone. They are grateful to have brought happiness back into her life and, most importantly, honored her wishes until the very end.

Rest easy, Irene. Give Uncle Joe a hug for us, and may the odds be forever in your favor at the bingo table in heaven. <3

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Arkin family.