Irene Marguerite Petizon Maiello, 99, of Fayetteville, NC, died Friday, April 26, 2024, at Heritage Place Senior Living, Fayetteville, NC, with family by her side. Irene was born April 7, 1925, in France, to the late Eugene Edmond Petizon and Aline Plubeau, one of four children.

As a teenager, Irene endured the trials of World War II. Her home in Belfort, France, was occupied by German soldiers, and she often recounted tales of seeking refuge in the woods during air raids. It was amidst this chaos that she met Salvatore Maiello (Sam), her future husband and soulmate, when his unit liberated her hometown. Following this tumultuous period, Irene embarked on a courageous solo journey across the Atlantic aboard one of the ships transporting war brides. She reunited with Sam upon her arrival in Bayonne, New Jersey. They settled in Ambler, PA, and began their family.

After a brief interlude in civilian life post-war, Irene and Sam re-enlisted in the Army, leading them to reside in various countries including Germany, Italy, Ethiopia, and the United States. Throughout these transitions, Irene remained a devoted spouse and nurturing mother. Irene took great pride in becoming a US citizen in 1956. Upon their retirement in 1972, Irene and Sam established roots in Fayetteville, NC, where she dedicated the remainder of her years to caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She adored children and loved food, gardening, dancing, and wearing the latest fashions.

Fondly known as "Meme," to all the grandchildren and really anyone who knew her, Irene epitomized the essence of a homemaker, ensuring her home was always a warm and inviting sanctuary for her family. Her door was perpetually open, offering comfort, sustenance, and unwavering love to all who entered. A beacon of guidance and strength, Irene was always known for her selfless devotion to her family.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Maiello and grandson, Dustin O'Brien. Irene is survived by her daughters Priscilla Herrick and her husband Charles, and Patricia O'Brien; four grandchildren, Vanessa Davidson and her husband, Wolfe, Ericka Zumwalt and her husband, Billy, Meagan O'Brien and her husband, Abraham, and Michael Herrick and his wife, Anna; and her twelve great- grandchildren, Samantha Zumwalt, Natalie Zumwalt, Alex Davidson, Katie Davidson, Emily Zumwalt, LillyAnn O'Brien, Layla O'Brien, Scarlett O'Brien, Tripp O'Brien, Liam O'Brien-Villalobos, Luca O'Brien-Villalobos, and Emma Herrick.

We will always carry your love and memories in our hearts.

A Memorial Mass will be conducted at 10:00 am on Friday, May 17, 2024, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 357 N Cool Spring St, Fayetteville, NC.  Interment will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Liberty.

Online condolences may be made to www.jerniganwarren.com

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.