Obituary: Irene Friedman Kent

Irene Friedman Kent of Atlanta, Ga., resident of Canterbury Court, passed away peacefully with her family at her side March 31, 2026, at age 100.

Irene was born on Sept. 8, 1925, in Staten Island, N.Y., and was raised, along with her older sister, Esther, in The Bronx.

She married the love of her life, Sol Morris Kent, from Columbus, Ga., in 1950, and began their life together in Atlanta, Ga.

She devoted the early years of her life to her family, creating a warm and steady home as a loving mother and wife. Once her children had grown up and were off to college, she began a second chapter, working at Hermès and several interior design shops in Atlanta.

A lifelong lover of animals, she gave generously of her time and energy to the Atlanta Humane Society, where she became not only a dedicated volunteer but also an exceptional and tireless fundraiser, helping to advance the organization’s mission and care for countless animals in need.

Throughout her life she nurtured a deep appreciation for language and French culture, which she studied with enthusiasm.

She possessed a deep appreciation for fine fashion and timeless style.
She is survived by her sons, Paul Kent and David Kent (Joan Kent); her grandchildren, Lauren Kent Rickoff (Ross Rickoff), Harris Kent, Steven Kent (Amanda Kent), Stuart Kent (Cori Kent), and eight great-grandchildren: Marni, Noah, and Lee Rickoff; Charles, William, Jack, Teddy, and Lily Kent.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Diana Freidman; her beloved husband, Sol Kent; and her sister, Esther Grundich.

A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

In lieu of flowers, kindly give to the Atlanta Humane Society, www.atlantahumane.org.

Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.