Irene Brunner

Irene Ann (White) Brunner, 83, of Denver, North Carolina, entered into the loving arms of God on July 16, 2026, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House after a brief yet courageous battle with brain cancer. Her devoted daughter, Marybeth (Brunner) Avery, was by her side, surrounding her with love.

Born on November 3, 1942, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Irene was the beloved daughter of Thomas Levet White and Marjorie Bertha Doersam White. She was the oldest of six children. When her family settled in the historic German Village neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, Irene attended Catholic schools and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School. It was there that she met Anton “Tony” Brunner, the love of her life. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with three children. Through seasons of profound joy and heartbreaking loss, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service until Tony’s passing in 2018.

Irene’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She loved Jesus Christ, believed deeply in the Holy Trinity, and found comfort and confidence through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her faith was not merely something she professed—it was something she faithfully lived each day through humility, compassion, and service to others.

Within her parish, Irene faithfully taught CCD and lovingly prepared countless children to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. She devoted innumerable volunteer hours to her church, served as an Associate with the Sisters of Mercy, and quietly practiced the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy throughout her life. Her acts of kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith touched countless lives.

Her commitment to serving others extended into her community, where she volunteered with East Lincoln Christian Ministries, delivering Meals on Wheels to neighbors in need. Irene possessed a compassionate heart and was a steadfast defender of those who were overlooked, mistreated, or considered underdogs. She believed every person deserved dignity, kindness, and someone willing to stand beside them.

Irene found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved reading, spending peaceful hours tending her garden, and especially admired the beauty of yellow roses, her favorite flower. The beach was one of her happiest places, and she treasured every opportunity to travel to her favorite island in the sun, where the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sunshine brought her peace.

She also had a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs. Her cherished rescue dog, Holly, held a special place in her heart and brought her immeasurable comfort and companionship.

Irene will be especially remembered for her determination, remarkable work ethic, unwavering resilience, and deep commitment to her family. Above all else, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and generous heart left an enduring mark on everyone who knew her. In the final months of her life, Irene found tremendous joy in knowing that her great-granddaughter was expected to arrive in November 2026—a blessing she eagerly anticipated with love and excitement.

Though her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in God’s promise of eternal life and take comfort in knowing Irene has been reunited with her beloved husband, Tony, in the presence of the Lord she faithfully served.

Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anton “Tony” Brunner; her parents, Thomas Levet White and Marjorie Bertha Doersam White; her cherished daughter, Lynne Anne Brunner; and her brothers, Roger White and Bradley White.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Marybeth Avery and husband, Jody; her son, Michael Brunner; her grandchildren, Andrew Avery; Addison Avery Dalton and husband, Andrew; Kerragan Brunner; and Kennedy Brunner; her sisters, Patricia Gaitten of Virginia and Teresa Juenger of Ohio; her brother, Thomas White of Florida; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a later date.

A memorial gathering celebrating Irene’s life will be held at a later date in Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in support of research involving the ATM gene and hereditary cancer, or that an act of mercy or kindness be performed in Irene’s memory, reflecting the life she so beautifully lived.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23