Name: Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home
Address: Houston, TX

I had not seen Dr. Porcarello in years, but I always remembered her and the impact she made in my life. I met her  almost 20 yrs ago when I was a freshman in college and was also  hired at HCC Main.  I was young and felt intimidated roaming around among the leadership on the “12th floor”. I had just started working and remember being by the copy machine feeling nervous with a bunch of papers not knowing how to work the machine. Dr. Porcarello was walking to the chancellor’s office with her hands full and she saw me struggling. Without knowing me she stopped, put her things down, introduced herself and helped me with the machine and spent a few mins getting  to know me. Since our interaction, due to her interest in me and her humility, my confidence boosted  tremendously around the office. Ever since, I would visit with her from time to time, and she was always so kind, welcoming and encouraging. 
Her kindness toward me at the beginning of my career is something I will always remember. In fact, the experience taught me a big lesson. Because of her exemplary leadership, I’ve been conscious about my approach to new/young employees who are in the same situation I was at the time. 
I was asking about her recently and that’s how I learned she’s gone to be with the Lord. 
Although we didn’t stay closely connected after I left HCC, Dr. Porcarello absolutely was a blessing to me and I’m so grateful she cared enough to get to know me when she did💕 I hope her loved ones enjoy this beautiful memory of her. 

My heart and mind are in a deep state of shock right now. I am just learning of Dr.  Porcarello’s passing. She and Dr. Pauline Warren hired me as a full-time English teacher at the HCC Southeast campus. When I first met Dr. Porcarello, I was immediately touched by her kind, genuine and warm spirit. Even though she was the President of Southeast campus, she had a true knack for making strangers feel comfortable. This is, in my opinion, is one of the greatest hallmarks of a great leader. Dr. Porcarello, you shall be sorely missed. May your soul rest in beautiful peace and rise in Glory. To the family—- I pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort you during this dark hour. Thank you for sharing your loved one with so many people. 

Dr. Pocatello, was a loving caring person. She touched so many lives and her legacy will live on. There were two organizations that were very dear and close to her heart. The veterans and her alma mater Milby High School. She allowed the Milby Hispanic Alumni to hold their meetings there.  Quite a few of our students that we gave scholarships attended HCC. Do I know ur an angel watching from Heaven . Well, Irene we will continue to keep ur legacy alive. 

Many thanks and miss and love you.

Mary Castillo
Proud Milby Buff
Class of 1961

   One can only marvel when a person of grand magnitude and  immense voracity to better oneself no matter of obstacles or barriers to contend while   submersing in higher education and future livelihood to forge a petroglyph with a human footprint to continue the journey.    I  believe the tutelage my brilliant AUNT IRENE  has created for the students of tomorrow will someday cure CANCER and know more than once she has saved a human life!    Our precious loved ones whom we have lost are in HEAVEN standing shoulder to shoulder paving a grand entrance for my beloved DR IRENE MARTINEZ PORCARELLO.    ADELANTE GENERAL IRENE!  FUEGO!

I first met "La Doctora" Irene when I was her first hired at AAMA Youth Development Program.  She literally saved my life from a self destructive streak.  She took me, Dr. Reynaldo Garay and Ana Olivares and build a staff that worked with the kids in the north side area that nobody wanted to deal with.  She took me by the hand and taught me about strategic planning, case management, counseling and many other methods to achieve our objectives and goal.  She was a masterful leader and a kind person.  She planned organized sports, cultural events, forensics, leadership training and camping adventures all over Texas.  Our youngsters, as well as  the staff, flourished.  She encouraged me to apply to graduate school, which I did, and later law school.  I used all her training to help me accomplish my goals.  I would later use all she taught me to teach many others to successfully accomplish their educational goals.  I called it the "Dr. Porcarello" method and gave her full credit.  It worked and still does.  I wanted to visit  her, but she left us.  God Bless her family. Love you Irene. 

Dr porcarello you were my mentor and inspired me to keep going even when I many times wanted to dropped out! You loved to dance and brought so much joy to SOUTHEAST HCCS CAMPUS!  I will walk the stage in your honor in May!! Thank you for inspiring my life and now
Being the Angel that will continue to be with me and guide me through my educational journey 

Condolences to the family of Irene.   I had not seen Irene in many years but remember her fondly. I knew her as a student at the University of Houston School of Social Work, where she obtained her Masters in Social Work., and thereafter as a professional in the community including the Houston Community College System.  She will be missed.

Natalie, Theresa, Analicia, Aldo, Aurora and all the family, you are in my prayers and thoughts during this time of  great loss.  Your mother/  grandmother Irene Porcarello was a woman of strength and character.  She lived her life fully, breaking boundaries of  gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic  conditions, creating new and good realities for herself and others.  It never occurred to her that she couldn't.  Dr. Irene Porcarello not only recognized but embraced and celebrated the diversity of her local and global community.   She was the girl from the neighborhood who grew into a cosmopolitan with wisdom and empathy for others.  Irene thirsted for knowledge, and she knew at an early age that education held the key to a better world.  She sought it for herself and every student whose life she touched.  This woman warrior set the bar higher for all of us  as an educator, a mentor and a  leader in her community and at Houston Community College.   Her stories of family, of the grand-kids who called her Granny,  were full of love and pride.  Natalie, Theresa, Analicia, Aldo and Aurora when you miss her remember the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, The Sun sets, but the Sun also rises again.  The sun will rise for you, those she loved most in the world, in the memories you have of  your times with her.
I too will miss my friend and mentor.

Pauline Warren

Natalie, Theresa, Analicia, Aldo, and all the family, you are in my prayers and thoughts during this time of  great loss.  Your mother/  grandmother Irene Porcarello was a woman of strength and character.  She lived her life fully, breaking boundaries of  gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic  conditions, creating new and good realities for herself and others.  It never occurred to her that she couldnt.  Dr. Irene Porcarello not only recognized but embraced and celebrated the diversity of her local and global community.   She was the girl from the neighborhood who grew into a cosmopolitan with wisdom and empathy for others.  Irene thirsted for knowledge, and she knew at an early age that education held the key to a better world.  She sought it for herself and every student whose life she touched.  This woman warrior set the bar higher for all of us  as an educator, a mentor and a  leader in her community and at Houston Community College.   Her stories of family, of the grand-kids who called her Granny,  were full of love and pride.  I can still see joy in her face when she spoke of you.  Natalie, Theresa, Analicia and Aldo, when you miss her remember the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, The Sun sets, but the Sun also rises again.  The sun will rise for you, those she loved most in the world, in the memories you have of  your times with her.
I too will miss my friend and mentor.
 
My thoughts are with you.
Pauline Warren


Irene was one of a kind....loving, generous, fair, and always for the people! She loved her family, her friends, her co-workers and her students! Her legacy is one of "connection". She saw and sought the connections to enhance all our lives by her willingness to help others, no matter what the need. All of us at HCC are better for having known her

Her commitment to her students was passionate and deep.
                                                      John Mason Hart (Houston, TX)

Dr. Irene Porcarello was a great leader and a caring individual.  She will be missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.  - Victor Lamas

Creating, designing and delivering the Felix Fraga Campus along with the new STEM building under construction which helped bring HCC to a most deserving community, was only one of the many passions Irene had in bring college home.  Bringing it home brought many smiles to families who understood this was truly a first step in making their community special.
She honored her community and her students.  She was committed to the success of her community and her students. She cared about her community and her students.  And she helped change the image of her community and the students she so loved and served.

May you rest in eternal peace!  May God continue to bless your family. 
Hasta entonces Luciano Lucky Salinas

Irene, you will be missed by many because you listened with your heart and shared your friendship generously.  Your passion for education was never ending!  Through your strength and passion you opened many doors of opportunities for which all are grateful!  May you rest in eternal peace!  May God continue to bless your family. 

Hasta entonces Luciano Lucky Salinas

We have lost a great leader in Irene.  Irene would remove barriers so that others might find success the truest form of leadership!
Irene was fortunate to be part of the incubation period of HCC working in the Milby High School at the inception of Southeast.  She was focused on her mission to deliver education at all levels to the community she so loved!
She was always honored to present the Mi Casa es Tu Casa feelings of welcome to those who visited us here at Southeast College!  
May you rest in eternal peace!  May God continue to bless your family. 
Hasta entonces Luciano Lucky Salinas

Dr. Irene Porcarello was a true professional. May you all find strength, peace, and comfort in your memories.  With Sympathy - Eddie Payne  Part time Accounting Instructor

My deepest condolences to the family. What a great human being.  And the legacy she leaves behind. A Milby grad.  She opened the college not only to the vets but to the Milby Hispanic Alumni.  It is because of her that we were able to have our xmas fundraiser there and our meetings.  So many of our Milby students attend HCC with the scholarships we awarded them.  Deepest condolences to the family. Irene just crossed over and we will not say goodby, just til we meet again.

All my love and respect,

Mary Flores Castillo
Proud Milby Buff - Class of 1961









What a wonderful, caring human being.And the legacy she leaves behind.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Irene M Porcarello.  She will be missed dearly by so many.

                                                                  USA Karate

Natalie and Teresa, My heart is heavy and I want to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of you Mom. She meant so much to many of us in so many ways. To me she was Aunt Irene. The one who taught me to ride a bike and helped me learn to read. A mentor I looked up to and admired in my youth. As an adult I admired her work tenacity and ethics but yet was so down to earth and always kept family and community close to her heart. May she rest in peace ... Until we meet again.

Irene has a special place in our hearts. She lived across the street from us on Ave E, in Eastend across the street from our grandparents. Later, we found the educational setting to be where we met once again.  She had set high goals for herself and became exactly what she wanted be. 
I was so blessed to share and spend time with her before she went with the Lord. She was a very unique and special person. She will be greatly missed by her HCC friends (retirees).

The Milby Hispanic Alumni  is appreciative for the support you extended to our association for so many years.  In this way, we were able to help more students continue their education.  You always supported your alma mater, Milby High School. Thank You, " The Spirit Continues."

My sincerest condolences to Irene's family, co-workers and friends. I worked closely with Irene 24 years ago when she was 'campus director' under the direction of Britton Ryan, Executive Vice President at Houston Community College. Her quiet personality and professional dignity will be missed by all who shared her excellence in furthering education. Joan Hendricks, Retired HCC in 1994.

Irene. Today is A SAD DAY,You will be MISSED.

You will be truly miss at HCC Southeast. Rest in peace with our heavenly father.

A great loss to the world of academia and to her many friends. Minerva Perez

We have lost a great leader in Irene.  Irene would remove barriers so that others might find success the truest form of leadership!

Irene was fortunate to be part of the incubation period of HCC working in the Milby High School at the inception of Southeast.  She was focused on her mission to deliver education at all levels to the community she so loved!

She was always honored to present the Mi Casa es Tu Casa feelings of welcome to those who visited us here at Southeast College!  

Creating, designing and delivering the Felix Fraga Campus along with the new STEM building under construction which helped bring HCC to a most deserving community, was only one of the many passions Irene had in bring college home.  Bringing it home brought many smiles to families who understood this was truly a first step in making their community special.

She honored her community and her students.  She was committed to the success of her community and her students. She cared about her community and her students.  And she helped change the image of her community and the students she so loved and served.

Irene, you will be missed by many because you listened with your heart and shared your friendship generously.  Your passion for education was never ending!  Through your strength and passion you opened many doors of opportunities for which all are grateful!  May you rest in eternal peace!  May God continue to bless your family. 

Hasta entonces Luciano Lucky Salinas

Dr. Porcarello- I'm forever grateful for the great memories that we shared during our short time together. I will always admire your dedication, tenacity and commitment to students, faculty, staff and the community. Descansa en paz mi querida Doctora Porcarello.

You sure will be missed!! Thank you, for all the great memories and help you spent doing for other.

Aunt Irene-is what she was known to me. I always thought she was so cool and I knew at a very young age, she was going to have a Dr. title. She was always in college here in the Houston vicinity; and she would go to Berkeley, California and take courses and earn her degrees there as well. Nothing would stop her. She will forever be a name in the Houston Hispanic Community. She was loved and admired by so many. Because she doesn't give up on anyone, in 1982, I had been turned down by several oil companies and with her guidance & connections - she set me up through an agency and I got hired @ Aramco Services Co. 36 yrs later, I would always tell her that I owe my livelihood to her. She has made our family proud and we know her legacy will never die. I know she will continue to watch over her 2 daughters: Natalie & Theresa and the newest "Pride & Joy" granddaughter- Annalicia & grandson- Aldo Jr. Tia, I will miss you, but one day, see you with my mother/your sister Mary.  Loving you forever - Linda Guerra Rodriguez

Rest In Peace Sweet Lady, You will be remembered as someone of great importance in the lives of many. Thanks for all you did to improve the East End community.

My deepest condolences to the Martinez Family.  I've known Irene and the Martinez family since grade school.  Irene always wanting to help others with a smile and never said an unkind word about anyone.  Rest in Peace beautiful lady.  I will miss you . . . Marilu De la Fuente .

Will miss you mi querida amiga.  Till we meet again.  Rest In Peace in the arms of the Lord.  Yoh will live in the lives of all who you touched and You will not be forgotten.

Natalie and Teresa, it's with great sadness I write my most heartfelt condolences to you. Irene was a friend, a mentor and an example of commitment and hard work. I remember her kindness and mercy to her siblings in their hour of need was commendable. She exhibited these traits to them and to all who knew her and were participant of it. Her passing will leave a great void in your lives and in the lives of many others who admired and loved her, of which I'm one.   Please take comfort in the fact that she's in a better place where there's no more pain, It sounds trite, but it's true. I will keep you and your families in my prayers asking for strength throughout this difficult time and beyond.  May she Rest In Peace. I remain with a broken heart.
Coco Herrera

Irene was a wonderful and dignified woman. She will be missed at Houston Community College.

I worked with her for 17 years at HCC...she was always kind and honest each day. She will be greatly missed.

Irene Martinez Porcarello we will miss you and that smile you carried with you. It's hard to believe you are gone. You are in a better place where there is no pain and no life stress. I will always think of you and the legacy you left behind. You always encouraged people around you to do their best and never give up! You were so good to our family. You were my moms very very best friend since childhood. I will be here for Natalie, Teresa, Annalicia and Aldo. RIP Irene. We will see you again. We love you! Love, Amanda

OBITUARY

Dr. Irene M Porcarello

December 17, 1948 – February 4, 2018

Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale

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