From a young age and throughout her life, Irene loved music and had a passion for singing, especially Mariachi-style “Serenatas” with her sons Charles and Michael playing trumpet. Irene married her high school sweetheart, Charles Reyna Jr. in San Antonio on November 29, 1959 and had four children.
She was a garment worker at the Levi Strauss factory for years and the experience motivated her to become a founding member of Fuerza Unida, a non-profit organization active in support of economic and social justice for women, workers and their families. Irene returned to school and earned her Associate’s Degree in Office Systems Technology from Palo Alto College.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charlie “Tuna”, her son Michael and her brother Julian “Yo-Yo” Aparicio.
Irene is survived by
Her Children: Charles IV (Vikki) - Austin; Albert (Susan) - San Antonio; Ilene Gonzalez (Alberto) - San Antonio.
Her Grandchildren: Megean, Aimee, Ashleigh, Katie, Desiree, Amanda, Albert Jr., Brandee, Abraham and Roy “RC” Charles.
Her Great Grandchildren: Ashton and Maya.
Her Siblings: Alice Jordan, Linda Balderrama, Betty LaFosse and Max Rene Aparicio.
Irene will be remembered and truly missed.