Irene Aguilar

Born on June 26, 1945, in Houston, Texas, she was the only child of Eduardo and Oralia Aguilar. Growing up she always said she wanted to be a nurse and hoped someday to be able to teach nursing. She graduated Cum laude from Incarnate Word Academy in Houston, Texas. After graduation from high school Irene attended Sacred Heart Dominican College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and began her career as a Registered Nurse.

Irene worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston where she gained experience in various areas including Intensive Care, Coronary Care, Recovery Room and Neurosurgical nursing. She was the Charge Nurse of the Intensive Care Unit, and Head Nurse of the Neurosugical unit. Her dream of teaching nursing came true when she became a member of the San Antonio College Department of Nursing Education where she taught for 38 years until her retirement. She was a professor who taught Medical-Surgical nursing. Over the years, Irene held various positions in the department which included Coordinator for Distance Learning, Coordinator for Continuing Nursing Education, and Program Coordinator for the Department of Nursing Education. As Distance Learning Coordinator she was instrumental in creating and planning the Distance Learning program which provided courses needed by students to earn and Associate of Nursing degree and become Registered Nurses. The areas served were Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Uvalde, surrounding communities and Kerrville, Texas. Irene and the faculty involved in establishing the program were recipients of the Nurse Week Excellence Awards 2001. Irene was invited by the National League for Nursing to be an item writer for the foreign nurse's examination. She was active in other San Antonio College committees including the San Antonio College Faculty Development, Continuing Education, and was a member of the Faculty Senate. Over the years she also participated in community organizations such as the Cancer Society, American Heart Association, planned and implemented a health screening program at Holy Cross Family Health Pavilion. She belonged to professional organizations including the American Association of University Professors, Texas Junior College Association, American Nurses Association, Texas Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Irene held various academic degrees. Besides her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she earned a Master of Education from Our Lady of the Lake (College) University and Master of Science in Nursing from Incarnate Word (College) University both in San Antonio, Texas. She was a Clinical Nurse Specialist and certified as a Distance Learning Professional by Texas A & M University.

Deeply devoted to her faith, Irene was an active member of St. Helena Parish. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, was a member of the Liturgy and Building Committees, and Vice President of the Pastoral Council. Irene was awarded the Lumen Gentium Award 2013 from the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas. for giving of her time and talent at St. Helena.

She is survived by her cousin, Gerald Guerra and his wife Linda; their two sons, Scott Guerra, and Dean Guerra; and his wife, Lisa.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Eduardo and Oralia Aguilar.

Burial services will be private.