Irene Camarena

Irene Salcedo, widow of Camarena, daughter of Jesus Jose Salcedo and Carlota Garibay was born in San Bernardo, Durango, Mexico on October 20, 1948. She was the youngest of 11 children: Ricardo, Luis, Francisco, Inocenia, Jesus Maria “Chume”, Pedro, Jose Abundio, Guadalupe, Jose and Martha. They then moved to Ciudad Juarez Chih., Mexico when she was a few months old. At a young age, she had to stop going to school so she can help at home. She was cooking and cleaning for all of her older siblings, mother and father so they can continue to work and maintain the home.

At the age of 16 she married and had her first child. Shortly after she came to the United States in 1969 to make a better life for her family. Mommy is survived by her sister, Chume; son, Danny; 6 daughters: Imelda, Isela, Maria, Norma, Ivon and Carla; 19 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. She was a hard-worker and provider.

Her interest included gardening, novelas, sewing, reading, bingo, music, dancing, and especially her family, to mention a few. She devoted much of her time as a loving yet strong Mom and Abuelita. She always welcomed everyone that came to her home and treated them like family. Her family, book of prayers and salmos were mommy’s passion and delight. She loved to host her family’s special events and gatherings at her home. Christmas and Thanksgiving was her favorite time and everyone always enjoyed being together.

She fought the great fight of faith for her life and saw all her children lovingly by her side. She was devoted to her family and adored spending time with her loved ones, especially the grandchildren. She was a constant voice of wisdom, helping us to believe that we can achieve greatness and not be afraid to try. She touched our lives with her smile and generosity and will forever be cherished in our hearts, thoughts and in our walk of life.

She remained faithful to her family and friends until her final breath. Mommy’s life seemed too short to many but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. She gave us such courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life.

Memories from loved ones:

Her sister’s special memory while growing up in school would be her doing her hair in braids and dress her in beautiful dresses that had ruffles. By the time that she would get home from school her hair would be undone and her dresses would be ripped because she hated to dress up.

Although she had many responsibilities, she was moved and touched by the love of God and she wanted to know more about him. She took it upon herself to go to religious classes to find out more of God.

She always wanted everyone to be together, eat and enjoy the familia.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the sympathy, comforting words, prayers and all expressions of kindness and concern. May God continue to bless you.

Irene will have a visitation on Friday, February 27, 2015 from 5:00-8:00 PM and a Funeral Service on Saturday, February 28, 2015 in the Valley View Chapel at Montecito Mortuary in Colton, California.