Irene Arellano Fernandez

Irene Arellano Fernandez was born on May 26, 1952, in El Paso, Texas to Manuel and Enriqueta Arellano. She was the third of six siblings: Anita Lucero Gutierrez, Angelica Gomez, Manuel Arellano, Jr., Andres Arellano, and Nicanor Arellano.

Raised in the Marion Manor neighborhood, Irene and her family were actively involved in the life of Mt. Carmel Church, participating in numerous ceremonies and community events. From a young age, Irene demonstrated a deep love for learning. She graduated from elementary school with high honors and later became valedictorian of Father Yermo High School’s Class of 1970. Her academic excellence earned her a scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso.

Irene met the love of her life, Manny, during elementary school, and they began dating in high school. They were married in 1974 at the historic Ysleta Mission. Together, they raised two children, Selena Heyns and Miguel Fernandez, in El Paso, Texas.

Irene’s life was marked by a steadfast and growing faith in God, which she lived out by serving her family, church, and community. She spent over 12 years teaching Spanish and second grade at Jesus Chapel School in El Paso. In 2001, she and Manny relocated to Colorado Springs, where she served for 12 years in the distribution and correspondence center at Compassion International. As sponsor parents, Irene and Manny also opened their home and hearts to several U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, becoming a “home away from home” during their time of service.

Together, Irene and Manny traveled for both mission work and personal adventures, visiting Hawaii, England, Nicaragua, Peru, Mexico, and many other destinations.

Irene is survived by her devoted husband, Manuel Antonio Fernandez; her daughter, Selena Heyns, and son-in-law, Riaan Heyns, along with their children, Isaiah and Sarah Heyns; and her son, Miguel Fernandez, and daughter-in-law, Viktoria Fernandez, with their children, Diego and Mila Fernandez.

She is preceded in passing by her parents, Manuel and Enriqueta Arellano, and her sister, Angelica Gomez.

A service honoring Irene’s life will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 1:00pm, at Swan-Law Funeral Directors in Colorado Springs, with a reception to follow. Inurnment will take place at the Mount St. Francis Columbarium.