Irene C. Tijerina

Her intellectual curiosity was ever-present, whether she was meticulously solving a challenging word search puzzle or embarking on her passionate quest to trace her family lineage, delving deep into the histories of her maternal and paternal ancestors. This same keen engagement shone through her creative pursuits too; spending hours with her great grandchildren coloring and playing with Legos, fostering their imagination alongside her own.

Beyond these quieter moments, Irene had an adventurous soul. Her love for the natural world was profound, evident in the joy she found in gardening – tending to her plants with such care – and in her eagerness for traveling, camping, and leisure nature walks. She truly embraced life with a playful enthusiasm, even surprising us all with her competitive streak during rounds of Mortal Kombat with her great grandchildren!

The memory of Irene would not be complete without thinking of her incredible generosity and culinary talents. Christmas wouldn't have been the same without keeping the family tradition of cooking tamales and baking polvorones, a cherished recipe from her paternal grandmother. And who could forget her legendary Spanish rice? It was her signature dish, a testament to her giving nature, which she would happily prepare and contribute at every opportunity, always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

After her beloved Gilberto's passing, Irene channeled her grief into a profound dedication to service. Her unwavering Catholic faith led her to become a devoted volunteer at the food pantry at St. John the Baptist Church in San Juan, Texas. It was a role she embraced wholeheartedly, embodying her deep compassion for others and her steadfast commitment to her community. She truly lived a life rich in purpose, connection, and boundless love.

Irene is survived by her children, Gilbert Tijerina Jr., Elizabeth Tijerina, Betty Jean Castro, Diana Tijerina, Eusebio Tijerina, and Rudy Tijerina. Irene was also a devoted grandmother to Ashley Marie Tijerina and leaves behind a total of 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, who will all remember her with love and affection.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Gilbert M. Tijerina, her father, Rodolfo Cano, her mother, Maria Guadalupe Cano, and her sister, Maria Rosario Aguirre.

A Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Palm Valley, located at 4607 North Sugar Road, Pharr, TX 78577, on February 3, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. A Rosary will take place at the same venue on February 3, 2026, starting at 7:00 pm.

The Funeral Mass is scheduled for February 4, 2026, at 10:00 am at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 216 W 1st St, San Juan, TX 78589.

Burial will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens, 4607 N Sugar Rd, Pharr, TX 78577, on February 4, 2026, at 11:00 am.