Irene Briggitte Amelang Pribish, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 28, 2023, in Poughkeepsie, New York. Born on January 16, 1936, in Filipstad, Germany, Irene touched the lives of many with her friendly nature and funny disposition.

Irene grew up on a potato farm with her siblings; two brothers and four sisters in Hanau, Germany during World War 2. During her time in school, she discovered her passion for swimming and became a part of the swim team. Through her love for swimming, she also worked as a lifeguard. Her dream was to swim the English Channel. Additionally, Irene participated in a high school profession as an aide at a nursing home.

Irene worked at a US Air Force base in Germany at 18 as a maid for a United States Air Force General where she met her late husband George E. Pribish, who was a US Air Force Seargeant. Upon marrying her late husband, George E. Pribish, Irene embarked on a journey from Germany to the United States, where she later became a proud and active wife in the United States Air Force. Irene and George lived on Air Force bases in Maine and Massachusetts, then later moved to Brooklyn, New York. She was committed to her newfound country, as she learned English, obtained her Naturalization papers, and embraced life as a U.S. citizen.

A dedicated follower of various TV shows, Irene's favorites included Wheel of Fortune, Little House On The Prairie, The Young and The Restless, The Price is Right, cowboy classics and The Benny Hill Show. Irene enjoyed playing bingo and dancing with friends. She would often be found crocheting during quiet moments at home. Irene cherished these memories created during the time spent with loved ones.

Irene was predeceased by her husband, George E. Pribish, and daughter, Catherine Pribish. Survived by her daughters, Pauline Pribish-Pettus and Stephanie Pribish; son, George Pribish Jr. and his wife, Stacey. Irene was a proud grandmother, known by everyone as Oma, to Christopher F. Pettus, Thomas Pettus, Brianna Pettus, their father Christopher A. Pettus and Brendan Pribish. As a Great-Grandmother, Irene's legacy will live on through her great-grandchildren, Wyatt Pettus, Taylor Janukajtis, and Cody Pettus.

Committal service will be held at 2pm, Friday June 9th, at the Calverton National Cemetery on Long Island. In lieu of flowers, Irene's family is respectfully asking for memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256. https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=13407

Calverton National Cemetery

210 Princeton Blvd.

Calverton, NY 11933

1 (631) 727- 5410.