Veronica “Irene” Bucci
Veronica “Irene” Bucci was born on April 7, 1957, in Limestone, Maine, to Morgan and Vera Holt. She was the third oldest of four children. Irene grew up with strong family values, unconditional love, and an immense kindness that she would pass down to her own children.
Irene passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Growing up in an Air Force household, Irene quickly learned the dire need of leaning on your family and being present for one another. She experienced at an early age, friends becoming family, as they moved from base to base, as the family had no other relatives nearby. Her beautiful mother was from Manchester, England, while her handsome father was from Bridgeport, Al. Upon retirement, the young family moved to Madison, Al., where they made their home.
The close bond that Irene and her siblings had was fostered by the timeless love her parents had for each other. That love was instilled in all four of the Holt children. Irene would then pass on that same love to her own family, especially her two daughters, Veronica and Andrea.
Irene’s oldest brother, Calvin was the leader of the siblings in his knowledge of the years before her and was a loving brother. She took great joy in becoming a first time and loving aunt to his dear children. He had pride in who she was and the family she had created!
Her brother Arthur, just above her in age was the prankster of the family. They had a connection because of their close age. She shared in his happy days and in his days of sad days when he lost his son.
Irene was known as ‘Reenie Beenie’ to her dearest, best friend and sister, Kathleen Ryan. The two shared a bond as close as sisters could and spent their time together full of laughter, supporting one another, and watching Bridget Jones’s Diary. Even though the sisters lived in different states they spoke every morning and afternoon, vacationed together, hosted family gatherings and holidays, enjoyed shopping trips and road trips, and hoped to one day live together again.
Although Irene moved to Chattanooga in 1993, her heart always remained in Madison with her parents, siblings, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and chosen family. Irene and her daughters spent weekends every month traveling to stay in Madison with her beloved mother so she could continue making memories with those she treasured most.
Irene was known for treating everyone with a great amount of kindness and putting others before herself. She was someone that always greeted you with a smile and carried a positive outlook on life. She cared for the well-being of others and simply wanted the best for everyone.
She was a devoted wife of 36 years to Don Bucci. Together, they built a family of two children, where Irene’s true purpose shone. Motherhood came naturally to her. She devoted her life to raising her daughters. It was a full time job that Irene handled with strength and grace. Between soccer practice, dance recitals, and being a homeroom mom, she was there for her children endlessly. That devotional support did not end after their childhood; it remained throughout their adult lives and will remain with them through time as well. That unwavering presence is what will be missed most about her.
Irene appreciated the simple things in life: springtime flowers, shopping trips, Mississippi State baseball, travelling with her sister and brother in law, Kathleen and Frank, and a good cup of coffee. It also goes without saying that Bella, her furry side-kick, was a great piece of her heart.
Irene’s greatest wish on Earth was to become a Nana and that role was fulfilled on July 1st of this year. Charlotte Abigail brought Irene an immeasurable amount of joy. Charlotte will know all about her Nana through the memories that will be shared with her over the years to come.
She is survived by her husband, Don Bucci; her children Veronica Bucci and Andrea (Dustin) Bass; her granddaughter Charlotte; her sister Kathleen (Frank) Ryan; and sister in law Lisa Holt, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Morgan C. and Veronica (Vera M.) Holt; brothers Calvin Holt and Arthur Holt and Nephew Phillip Holt.
A visitation for Irene will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Funeral Service will follow on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Chattanooga, Tn.
Graveside service will take place afterwards at Huntsville Memory Gardens in Madison, Al.