Irene B. Rosales

To all our family and friends: It is with a heavy heart that our beautiful and adored Irene Beatriz Rosales née Cervera, our wonderful Queen, was called home on January 4th, 2025. Waiting for her at home are her loving parents Ricardo and Consuelo Cervera and her late big brother, Ricardo "Monito" Cervera Jr.

Irene was born on May 31st 1948 in El Paso, TX. She was a student of El Paso Independent School District. She attended Clardy Elementary School, Henderson Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School. She gradated high honors in 1967.

In 1969 she and her high school sweet heart, Jose Luis Rosales Sr. were married.

She is an alumnus the University of Texas at El Paso receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Instruction and Curriculum. After which she became a teacher at Burleson Elementary for 20 years.

In August of 1975 she welcomed her son, Jose Luis Rosales Jr. In April of 1980 she then welcomed her daughter, Irene Cervera Rosales.

In the 1980s, Irene was a pioneer of bilingual education. Spearheading programs to introduce this new concept to better educate students who were not fluent in English. She also continued as a publisher of the Spanish TEAMS state exam in Texas.

Irene never stopped teaching. She continued her education in many forms such as an ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructor at El Paso Community College Valle Verde Campus. Then later as an administrator and associate director in Region XIX’s HeadStart Program.

Irene was the best daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. She would take her children and grandchildren travelling as much as possible. She was very loving but strict. She didn’t hover but she was involved. She fiercely loved her late mother and father, Consuelo and Ricardo. Irene moved mountains for them, as she did for all family members when they had problems with finances and/or health. She made sure they had the best care and that their finances were stable. Irene gave selflessly to all those she loved.

She loved Mexican food and she learned how to cook a few dishes from her late mother. She loved to dance and sing. For special occasions she would don a costume and perform an act like a Tina Turner lip sync act.

Irene was also a world traveler. She traveled a good deal for work. She would use her vacation time to travel every where she could. She loved traveling and traveled the globe. She would travel with friends, colleagues and family.

When her two children were young, she would take them travelling with her, expanding their minds and perceptions of the world around them. She made sure that her children were given educational opportunities. Most importantly, she made sure her children and grandchildren felt loved, especially her love.

She is survived by her ever devoted and love-of-her-life husband, Jose Luis Rosales Sr. Her brother Carlos Ruben Cervera. Her sister Lorraine Krichmar née Cervera. Her children Jose Luis Rosales Jr. and Irene Robles. Including grandchildren: Yoshiko A. Schutz née Rosales, Jason B. Chavez, Abrahan A. Villalba, David Uriah Hernandez, Jasiah J. Rosales, Kailey Robles, Lexi Aleena Robles, Joaquin Robles and Fernando Robles III.

A visitation for Irene will be held Monday, January 13, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home East, 1460 George Dieter Drive, El Paso, TX 79936. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at St Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar Rd, El Paso, TX 79925.