Irene Torres Hagerty

Irene Torres Hagerty of Fredericksburg, VA, entered the Lord’s house on January 14th, 2022, surrounded by her children. She was born in San Antonio, TX, on November 29th, 1942, and was the youngest child of Francisco and Josefina Escamilla. She is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings: Rudy Escamilla, Paul Escamilla, Guadalupe Sanchez, and Joe Escamilla; granddaughter, Rochelle Helmick; grandson, Aaron Durrett; great-grandson, Ramsey Durrett; and son-in-law, Walid Kamel. Irene is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, James W. Hagerty; her children: Deborah Dameron, Elizabeth Durrett (David Durrett), James W. Hagerty II (Barbara Hagerty), Patricia Greene (Shawn Greene), Josephine Kamel, Frank Hagerty (Elizabeth Hagerty), Thomas Hagerty (Sara Hagerty), and Loreen Hughes (Joe Hughes); 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren (and counting); her brothers: Benito and Jesse Escamilla; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a devoted mother, nana, auntie, and sister, not only to her family, but to anyone in need and anyone she met. Irene welcomed all and no one ever left hungry. As a prominent figure in Fredericksburg for more than 50 years, she served her community in many different capacities: president of the St. Mary Council of Catholic Women in Fredericksburg, Eucharistic minister of St. Mary Church, VFW Auxiliary 3103 member, Spanish choir member, PTA president, Brownie and Girl Scouts’ leader, and softball coach. Her proudest accomplishment was establishing the Birthright of Fredericksburg in 1976; she acted as its director for 32 years. Irene’s hard work never went unnoticed. Over the years, she was recognized and awarded for her outstanding contributions to the advancement of equal justice, neighbors in action volunteer, outstanding service to the community as an adult volunteer, volunteer of the millennium, and received the James Farmer Award for lifetime achievement. In 2020, Stafford County recognized Irene’s enduring contributions to the Hispanic community with a proclamation during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Although we are completely heartbroken at Irene’s passing, we take comfort knowing that she loved “her Lord” and has entered His house (confirmed by a phone call to Caiden) and is now reunited with those who went before her. She will forever remain in our hearts and in our memories. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the BirthRight of Fredericksburg or to a charity of choice. A viewing will be at Mullins & Thompson on January 24, 2022, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, please respect current CDC guidance.