Irene Almond Paris

Irene Almond Paris of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, at the remarkable age of 103. Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in December 1922, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Paris, her beloved children, George Paris and Kathy Paris; her parents, Harry and Ruth Almond, and her four siblings – Elise Babb, Harry Almond, Jr., Carolyn Schmitt, and Robert Almond.

Left to cherish her memory are numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, dear friends and neighbors, and her Centerville community that she loved and called home for 58 years.

Irene graduated from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg in 1940. Her jobs included working at the Woolworth’s lunch counter, as a ‘Girl Friday’ in a doctor’s office (“I had to wash windows on my first day!”), and as a clerk at the local dairy. She traveled to Kansas to marry her first husband, Warren Cole, and they settled in New York where George was born. After she returned to Lynchburg, Irene met and married Charlie Paris. Kathy was born a few years later, and then Charlie’s job with Mead brought them to Dayton.

All who knew Irene recognized her zest for life, her can-do spirit, and her servant’s heart. She was an avid reader. She loved music and singing, playing golf, volunteering, and gathering with friends for a monthly bridge game. She took pride in keeping her home a beautiful and welcoming place. Irene put her family first, and she approached life with humor and gratitude, laughing as often as she could.

The family wishes to thank special friends Nancy Strother and Mary Ellis for their care of and devotion to Irene. Their laughter and storytelling helped Irene remember the good times in their neighborhood cul-de-sac. She so enjoyed reminiscing about their frequent gatherings on her patio where she enjoyed her daily Canadian Mist and 7-Up.

A special thank you is also extended to Suncrest Hospice; the nurses, aides, chaplains, and support staff took wonderful care of Irene at the end of her life. Special heartfelt thanks to Lindsay and Destyne of Suncrest. Likewise, appreciation is extended to the staff of Brookdale Kettering and Brookdale Oakwood Caring Bridge where Irene resided over the last four years. The care and support she received from them helped her at the time she needed it the most. Many thanks to her visiting friends from Southminster Presbyterian Church where Irene and her family were longtime members. Irene so appreciated their monthly visits to share communion and fellowship with her and the other residents at Brookdale.

Her friends and family are broken-hearted and are grieving her loss, but they will continue her legacy of kindness, giving, and joyfulness. They know she is resting and at peace in the company of the family and friends who went before her whom she has missed for so long.

A celebration of life for Irene will be held at a later date. Her inurnment at the Dayton National Cemetery will be private.