Irene A. Perucci

Irene Alice Perucci was born on April 11, 1921 in Fremantle, Western Australia to James Craig Cowie and Alice Peake. She attended high school until her 3rd year, when she enrolled in nursing school where she obtained a certificate as a Nurse’s Aide.

At the beginning of WWII she met a “yank”, a naval officer, Lt. Alfred Dominic Perucci, who was stationed near her home town. Irene and Lt. Perucci met on a blind date set up by a friend. Irene was working at the local Hospital and Lt. Perucci was working at the naval station. Irene was a beautiful girl of 22 when she met her love. Lt. Perucci was 24 when he met the women he wanted to share his love and life. Irene and Alfred lived life, love, and joy for 70 years together.

Irene had to make a decision that would affect her whole life leave her family, friends, and country and go “across the pond” to America with the man she loved. When she made that decision to leave little did she know the adventure that awaited her? Irene’s adventure, along with other Aussie brides, is documented by an author Robyn Arrowsmith in a book she wrote ALL THE WAY TO THE U.S.A.: Australian WWII War Brides.

Survivors include her husband Alfred, son Michael (Twila), daughters Marilyn (Curt) Foster, and Maureen (Todd) Fetters and a son who proceeded in death James Phillip Perucci. Irene had numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren along with nieces and nephews.

MAY SHE REST IN PEACE

"Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them."

Eternal rest grant unto Irene, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Amen.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

II Timothy 4: 7-8