Irene Eva (Badish) Thoune

Irene Eva Badish Thoune, age 95, of Asheville, North Carolina, peacefully passed away with her loved ones by her side on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Irene was born on March 9, 1931, in Garfield Heights, Ohio, to the late John and Mathilda Joneso Badish. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald Thoune, and her brothers, John Badish, Tom Badish, and Alex Badish.

Irene was a woman of many talents. She began her career working in retail before earning her cosmetology license and becoming a hairdresser, a profession she truly enjoyed. She was a faithful member of Access Church in Asheville and had a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs and cats. Growing up on a farm instilled in her a deep appreciation for gardening, a passion she carried throughout her life. Above all else, Irene loved her family and treasured every moment spent with them.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Diane Elizabeth Harris of Asheville, Darwin Michael Thoune (Susan) of West Asheville, and Annette Kelly (Doug) of Williston, Florida; her grandchildren, Donald Harris III, Daniel Harris, Denton Harris, Deirdre Fee (Brent), Douglas Kelly Jr. (Grace), and Jonathan Brian Kelly (Sara); and her great-grandchildren, Landon Fee, Conor Fee, Alexandria Fee, Katie Kelly, and Jackson Kelly.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Access Church, 503 Johnston School Road, Asheville, NC 28806. The family will receive friends an hour before the service. A graveside service will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park, 2138 Pisgah Hwy, Candler, NC 28715. Reverend Lee Harmon will officiate.

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to care for the Thoune family during this time.

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