Irene (Bannon) Foley

Irene (nee Bannon) Foley, age 100, passed away peacefully Wednesday September 3, 2025. Born February 18, 1925, in Butler County, OH. She was the beloved daughter of James and Elizabeth (Schmitt) Bannon. Irene was a 1943 graduate of Fairfield High School.

In 1944, she and Richard Foley were married at St. Veronica Church, Hamilton, OH. Together, they raised three daughters in their Fairfield home and celebrated thirty-seven years of marriage until Richard's death in 1982.

She married Mel Arnold in 1999 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Fairfield, OH and they were together until his passing in 2009.

A devoted wife and a thoughtful mother, she loved caring for her family. Her quick wit, sense of humor and engaging personality were endearing. Her wide range of interests included cooking, baking and travel. Many lifelong friendships thrived over card tables, in bowling leagues and on the golf course.

Irene valued being of service to others and she enthusiastically pursued volunteering opportunities for various community charities, particularly Mercy Hospital and St. Raphael. She was also a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Church.

She will be missed and fondly remembered by the many dear friends and family members she leaves behind.

She was the cherished mother of Jane (Bill) Biddinger, Marcia (Tom) Hogan and Jean (Bob) Stratman; caring grandmother of Greg (Mike Alltop) Biddinger, Kevin (Missy) Biddinger, Jennifer Biddinger, Elizabeth Hogan, Marie (Jeff) Spoonhower, Karen (Herb Britt) Stratman and Rick Stratman; and loving great-grandmother of Rachel and Jacob Biddinger, and Sean, Teresa and Katie Spoonhower.

She is survived by her sister, Margie Bannon Conrad and was preceded in death by siblings Ray, Bob, George, James Jr., Dale Bannon and Mary Bannon Uhl.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday September 10, 2025, from 9 - 10am at Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd. Fairfield, OH 45014. Mass will follow at 10:30am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 400 Nilles Rd. Fairfield, OH 45014 with Father Larry Tharp officiating. Burial to follow at St. Stephen Cemetery, 1314 Greenwood Ave. Hamilton, OH 45011. In Lieu of Flowers memorial contributions to Badin High School would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.avancefuneralhome.com