Irene Ortega, 84 years old, of Houston, TX returned to the arms of our Lord and of her late husband Jimmie Ortega on November 17, 2018. Irene was born in Houston, TX on October 13, 1934 to Felipa and Manuel Rodriguez. Irene married her love Jimmie Ortega on November 29, 1958. Irene spent 59 loving years married to Jimmie Ortega. During their marriage they created a life and family together as well as many memories. Irene was a well-rounded woman as she gave her time to her family, serving others, and enjoying hobbies that brought her happiness. Irene will be remembered for not only being an amazing mother and a loving wife, but also as a dedicated sister, friend, consoler, baker, craft maker, and devoted church member. Irene had a career in engraving and worked at Lone Star Engraving.
Irene served as a Cub Scout Den mother and a homeroom mother for all of her children. Irene also made sure to attend every school event and sports function for her children and grandchildren. Irene also made many costumes for her children’s plays and performances. Irene loved serving the Catholic church. When Irene was a parishioner of St. Stephen’s Catholic church, she was a member of Los Cursillos and the Alter Society. She also she spent countless Saturday’s and Sunday’s mornings preparing and serving morning breakfast to church parishioner. When Irene and Jimmie moved the Northside of Houston, she became a member of Assumption Catholic church. Irene worked at the St. Vincent Society each week to help prepare food boxes for those in need. Irene and Jimmie also gave their time at Assumption’s annual bazaars as they helped with the plant booth. Irene was very talented and enjoyed creating crafts and ceramics. These crafts and ceramics were often given to family and friends as gifts of appreciation. Irene also loved to bake and cook for her family. Every Easter, Irene would make her famous bunny cake that made her kids and grandchildren excited. Children and grandchildren also loved Irene’s famous chocolate brownies.
Irene is survived by her children: Mario Ortega and wife Alice, Kenneth Ortega, James Ortega and wife Rosa, Anna Rivera and husband Tony, and Philip Ortega and wife Susana. As well as grandchildren: Richard Aguilar, Stephanie Gloria, Jackie Vallejo, Michael Ortiz, Elizabeth Ortega, Allison Ortega Munoz, Amanda Ortiz, George Ortega, Alisia Ortega, Jessy Ortega, Philip Daniel Ortega, Joey Ortega, Isabel Rivera, Giovanni Rivera and numerous great grandchildren. Irene is also survived by her siblings: Victoria Gutierrez, Joe Rodriguez, and Mary Ramirez. As well as many cousins, relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 23, 2018 from 6-9 pm. A Rosary will be recited by Deacon Mario Ortega in Irene’s memory at 7pm. The visitation and Rosary will take place at Brookside Funeral Home 13747 Eastex Freeway Houston, TX 77039. The funeral mass will be at Assumption Catholic Church, 901 Roselane, Houston, TX 77037. The burial will follow in Brookside Memorial Park.
