(nee Valentino) Passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023, of Gibbstown, NJ, age 91 yrs. Beloved wife of the late Placido "Cedar" Arena. Devoted mother of Mary Arena (Mike), John Arena (Denise), and the late Fred Arena. Loving grandmother of Fred Arena, and Danielle Dodson (Kirk). Great-grandmother of Aubrey Rose, and Norah Jane. Dear sister of Fortunato "Junior" Valentino (Edith), and the late Carl, and William Valentino, and the late Rita Cox. Irene was a lifelong resident of Gibbstown. She graduated from Paulsboro High School in 1948, where she met the love of her life, her "honey," Cedar at the age of sixteen were together until his death at 78. Their love for each other was an inspiration and they never spent a night apart. Irene held various secretarial positions and retired from Mobile Research and Development as an administrative secretary, heading up multiple departments. Irene's love and energy for life was boundless. Her dedication to her family was her joy and legacy. Sunday dinners were tradition, Her homemade ravioli and spaghetti were legendary. She lived to cook for her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her priority. Irene had many athletic pursuits and lead a fitness lifestyle. She was dedicated to her gym workouts and made a circle of gym friends that lasted throughout her life. She loved boating and water skiing. Her ultimate love was snow skiing. She and Cedar traveled to Killington, VT every winter with their daughter Mary. These trips would become their most cherished memories, along with family shore houses in Brigantine and Sea Isle. She was a huge animal lover. Everything stopped when there was a dog nearby. An avid bird watcher, Irene enjoyed her backyard feeders and knew each bird by sound. She was well-versed in politics and current events, but she loved her Hallmark Channel, and never went a day without her happy-ending movies. Irene touched everyone's lives with her positive outlook and kind, truthful advice. She was a best friend to many, a bright example of a life well lived. Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Wednesday morning from 9:30am to 11am at the LANDOLFI FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Broad Street, Paulsboro, NJ, where a Funeral Service will follow at 11am. Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery, Swedesboro, NJ. If desired, memorial donations may be made in Irene's memory to a charity of your choice. To express condolences, please visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com