Irene Simien

Irene Simien, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, at the age of seventy-eight. Born on October 5, 1946, in Lawtell, Louisiana, Irene was the fifth of eighteen children to the late Irvin Simien and Lillian Jordan Simien. Her warmth, strength, and devotion to family and faith will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her.

Irene had a heart full of love and an unshakable faith. She lived most of her life in Lake Charles, Louisiana and was a dedicated member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church before moving to Pearland, Texas. Despite only having a fifth-grade education, Irene dedicated years of her life to serving others. She worked as a cook for Jeff-Cal Nutrition Services Inc. and Oak Park Care Center, and during the summers, she served meals to senior citizens at the Lake Charles Senior Highrise. She was known for her kindness and generosity.

A devout Christian, Irene cherished her daily readings from the Bible and books by Pastor Joel Osteen. She faithfully tuned in to watch his morning broadcasts. Irene's faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and she found great comfort in prayer and keeping her family close in spirit, no matter the distance.

Irene had a love for simple joys, from solving crossword puzzles to coloring in her adult coloring books. She enjoyed daily walks, often chatting with neighbors and every passerby, and was always quick to strike up a conversation. She had a particular fondness for shopping at her favorite stores - Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Food Town, and Dollar General - and she knew everyone by name.

Television was another passion of Irene’s, and she could always be counted on to discuss the latest twists and turns of her favorite soap operas, including “The Young and the Restless,” “As the World Turns,” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.” She shared these moments with her sisters, calling Carolina to offer predictions about the shows and talking with Delores about their daily house chores. Irene also enjoyed reminiscing with her sister Katheleen about old times, while her brother Gilbert was her go-to companion for cooking tips, especially when it came to perfecting the smothered okra.

Family was everything to Irene. She was deeply devoted to her daughters, Cindy, Deborah, and Elaine, and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She also took immense joy in checking on her siblings, cousins, and friends—always concerned for their well-being. She shared special bonds with her sisters and brothers, including Delores, Katheleen, Carolina, Willa Mae, Mary Ester, and Eula, and her brothers Hilman, Gilbert, Daniel, Hilton, and Bernard.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents Irvin and Lillian Simien, as well as her paternal grandparents, William and Virginia Gallow Simien, and maternal grandparents, Victorian and Victoria Jordan Bellow, five brothers: Manuel, Hillary, Curtis, Ulysses, and Samuel Simien, and one sister, Nelma Simien.

Irene is survived by her daughters, Cindy Gims, Deborah Foston, and Elaine (Ivory) Tatum; her sisters, Delores Simien Labbe, Katheleen Simien, Carolina Simien, Willa Mae Simien Ardoin, Mary Ester Simien, and Eula Simien; her brothers, Hilman, Gilbert, Daniel, Hilton, and Bernard; along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation and homegoing celebration for Irene will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Garden Oaks Funeral Home, 13430 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas 77083. A rosary service will take place from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life and homegoing services at 12:00 PM. A committal service will be held at 2:00 PM at Paradise Cemetery South, 1600 Cullen Blvd., Pearland, Texas 77581. A repast will follow at Maison De Veaux, 3907 Old Chocolate Bayou Rd., Pearland, Texas 77584.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Carolyn Joseph and Katina Mitchell for their loving care of Irene during her final days. Words cannot fully express our gratitude.