Irene Ashery of the Capital Region passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in Albany, NY.

Born on May 12, 1926, in Brooklyn, NY, Irene was the beloved daughter of the late Anna and Louis Berman. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Frances Cushman and Lilly Berman.

Irene worked for many years as a legal secretary and also spent weekends in the Berkshires working at the Seven Hills Inn. She was a member of Temple Israel of Great Neck, Long Island, where she found community and connection. In 2006, she relocated to the Capital Region to be closer to her family. 

A remarkable woman, Irene was fluent in Yiddish and a proud survivor of polio. She had a unique zest for life. Her hobbies included magic tricks, entering (and often winning) contests, and delighting others with her talent for storytelling. Irene also had a lifelong passion for chocolate; so much so, that a poem she wrote about chocolate was published.

She especially cherished time with her family and friends. Irene’s warmth, and love of sharing stories will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her two sons, Robert Ashery (Sherry) and Lawrence Ashery (Lisa), and five grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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