Irma N Espinel

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Irma Espinel, who left this world on September 20, 2024, at the age of 90. She was born on August 6, 1934, in Lima, Peru, to her late parents, Jose Valdez and Carmen Ramirez Valdez.

From an early age, Irma displayed a bright and curious mind. She began reading at the age of four. Irma won a singing competition on the radio by the age of six, sharing her love for music with the world. Irma’s deep compassion for others was evident as a child when she took it upon herself to help heal her siblings from ailments, a gift she would continue to use throughout her life.

After moving to the United States, Irma completed her GED in California and continued her education in Puerto Rico, where she began her journey to becoming a nurse. She eventually settled in Texas and fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. Irma and Annie both graduated as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at the same time. Her dedication to her profession was unmatched, and she was consistently recognized for her exceptional care, earning numerous “Employee of the Month” and “Employee of the Year” awards. Her patients and their families praised her for her tender, loving care.

Irma was a woman of faith and spent much of her life in service to the church and community. She was an active member of prayer groups and contributed to charitable causes, including the Gabriel Project, where she supported expectant mothers. She also volunteered with the "Little Church," helping young children understand the beauty of the Mass. Irma’s heart was always open to those in need, whether it was providing food, clothing, or spiritual guidance.

In her personal life, Irma was a devoted mother grandmother, and great grandmother. She helped raise her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the beloved wife of the late Antonio Espinel. Irma is survived by her daughter, Annie Marsella, and her husband Ron, along with their children, Leah Brashear and Thomas Marsella; her son, Robert Espinel, his wife Teresa, and their child Espi Espinel; and her daughter Carmen Caramantin and her children, Lisset Caramantin-Williams and Claudia Caramantin, her son, Enrique Vassallo Valdez, and daughter Angela Miriam Vassallo Valdez, her brother, Jose Américo Valdez, her sister, Rosa Bishop, her brother who preceded in death, Orlando Valdez , her sister, Mercedes Cicalla, her brother, Jose Alfredo Valdez, and her brother Luis Francis Valdez. She was also preceded in death by her son, Antonio Espinel Jr., who helped taking care of her as well as Irma along side with her daughter, Annie Marsella.

Irma’s talents were many. She had a passion for oil painting, sewing, knitting, and above all, prayer. Her devotion to the Holy Rosary brought her peace and strength throughout her life. She found great joy in teaching others and sharing her faith with those around her.

Irma’s legacy of kindness, healing, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She touched countless lives through her generosity, care, and love for God.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may we honor her memory by continuing the good works she so lovingly embraced.