Mrs. Irene B. Duran

Irene Bravo Duran passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, with all her 5 children, a few of her grandchildren, god son, family, and close friends by her side till her last breath and heartbeat. She was born January 13, 1940, to Sorena (Irene) and Salvador Bravo in Ft. Worth, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Jose M. Duran in March 3, 2017. She was the youngest of the daughters of 10 children, 4 brothers and 5 sisters, which all except for one brother preceded her in death.

She is survived by her brother Rudy Sotelo, her 5 children; daughter Jodie and husband Keith Johnson, son Joe Anthony Riojas, daughter Catherine Castillo, son Henry Mancha, son Michael and wife Claudia Duran, her 18 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and her fur-grand dog Scooby. She is also survived by her god daughter Rachel and godsons Arlie John and Juan Jr., numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was a remarkable woman who loved her family above all else and enjoyed spending time with them as often as possible. She loved the family gatherings and celebrations where we would all be together and this brought her so much joy. She loved her a happy hour with margaritas, she loved shopping for her and others, getting her hair done, going to the casino, or just watching her favorite shows on TV with her Scooby by her side. She was crazy about sweets and even though they were not good for a diabetic, sneaking one here or there was our mom’s only bad habit and we let it slide to see her beautiful smile. We let her slide a lot.

She was a hardworking woman and made sure to provide all she could for her children. She was somewhat a jokester (said better to laugh than to cry about it), and such a happy person, whose smile and laugh were so contagious to everyone around her, a compassionate heart for all her friends, family and especially her children. She was a loving woman, mother, sister, aunt, Godmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, that anyone would be blessed to have in their life.

Irene loved her children and family dearly, but she knew that her time on this earth was nearing its end. Therefore, she wanted to make memories. She wanted her last gatherings, to give all of us this sweet memory, so that we could remember she loved each and every one of us. Even though she fought for a good while, her body was fragile, tired and ready to go be with her parents, siblings, family and especially with her loving husband whom she missed dearly, every day since his passing.

Irene also said and believed that we must all hold on to each other and cherish every moment we have together while we are living, because Irene sure did that and she never took anything or anyone for granted.

Rest in peace our Dear Irene (mom, grandma, Tia, Gigi) and this is not goodbye but see you soon and until we meet again we love you always.