Irma Guerra Arranaga

Irma Guerra Arranaga was born on January 28, 1933, in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, to Filemon and Rosa Guerra. On April 7, 2024, at the age of 91, she peacefully went to be with the Lord. Throughout her life, Irma was a humble servant, providing unwavering support to her family and community. Her deep faith and boundless grace were evident through every aspect of her life. Irma's journey was defined by her loving spirit, her steadfast dedication to her loved ones, and her tireless commitment to serving others.

Irma was raised in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, the second youngest of eight siblings - seven sisters and one brother. Her family was incredibly close-knit, and together they built a beautiful and united family.

From a young age, Irma learned the value of hard work, working alongside her father in Mexico. Her strong work ethic continued when she moved to Laredo, Texas, where she worked at Three Sisters Clothing Store. Her dedication and passion for people quickly led to her promotion to manager, and she was entrusted with opening a new store in San Antonio.

It was in San Antonio that Irma met the love of her life, Arturo Arranaga, at a dance. They quickly fell in love and were married in November 1955. Together, they had two children, Rosemary and Arturo, who were the center of their world and the loves of their lives.

Irma was an astute businesswoman, and together with Arturo, they shared an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong work ethic. Early in their marriage, they opened a small grocery store on Dwight Street in San Antonio. Through incredible determination and sacrifice, they built a successful chain of over 10 grocery stores, known as Shoppers World and Arranaga Supermarket, throughout Texas. Irma and Arturo worked alongside each other in their stores day in and day out, building a marriage and family that most would aspire to. They were steadfast companions for 26 years until Arturo’s passing in 1981.

Despite her financial success, Irma remained grounded in her values and passion to serve others. She was known for her generosity and altruistic spirit, hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner each year for senior citizens and underprivileged families at her parish St. Leonard’s Catholic Church. Irma was deeply involved in various non-profit organizations, always giving back to her community.

After Arturo's passing, Irma ran the grocery stores on her own for about 10 years before starting a new chapter in her life in Reynosa, Mexico, where she lived for about 15 years with her beloved sister, Tinita. Together, they extensively traveled the world, planned family reunions, and worked in various businesses. Irma was a fantastic cook and even opened a restaurant in Reynosa to keep busy.

In the final chapter of her life, Irma returned to Texas to be close to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Despite her declining physical strength, her mind remained sharp, and she persisted in her devout faith. She cherished her family with unwavering intention and love, exhibiting the utmost grace and strength until the very end.

Irma leaves behind a legacy of greatness characterized by her generosity, wisdom, and boundless love. She celebrated a life well-lived and truly embodied the best of humanity. There is no doubt that she left the world a better place than she found it. What a beautiful gift she was to us all.

She is survived by her daughter, Rosemary Jimenez, and her husband Norberto Aleman; her son, Arturo Arranaga; grandchildren, Jessica Jimenez, and her husband Javier Jaimez, Raul Jimenez, III and Arthur Jimenez, and his wife Jacque Jimenez, and Alexandra Arranaga; great grandchildren, Ava Jimenez, Noah Jaimez, Sienna Jaimez and Arthuro Jimenez, Jr. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who she loved dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents Filemon and Rosa Guerra; beloved husband, Arturo Arranaga; siblings, Ofelia, Maria Olivia, Oscar Filemon, Rosa Oralia, Olga, Magda Evelia, and Ernestina; great granddaughter, Aleena Jimenez.

Visitation will be from 6:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary to follow on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Porter Loring North – 2102 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, 78232

MassWednesday, April 24, 202411:30amMission Concepcion Church807 Mission Rd, San Antonio, 78210

Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m., where Irma will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Arturo.