Lupe Irene Santos

after a short battle with COVID-19. Born on July 22, 1952, in Salinas, California,

Irene graduated from Alisal High School in 1970. She went on to study

technology at Heald College, where she earned her associate of science

degree and graduated as valedictorian in 1999—a distinction she achieved

even while working during the day and going to classes at night.

Irene started working right after high school, eventually landing a job at General

Electric. An incredibly hard and diligent worker, she took pride in being

independent at the age of 18. After going back and earning her college degree,

Irene worked at Intel, making Pentium 4 processors. She also spent two years

at Lifescan, but Irene’s career really took off when she was hired by Varian

Medical Systems. She was with Varian for over 21 years, eventually getting the

opportunity to travel to Beijing to train others. She was well-loved by all of her

colleagues, as well as by the many doctors she helped learn how to better use

their Varian equipment.

Irene married her husband David in 1976, ten years after meeting him at a high

school dance when they were both 14. They had their daughter Amanda Remee

on May 14, 1987. Amanda has fond memories of her mother showing her how to

live bravely in the world, teaching her how to drive, and transforming her fear of

roller coasters into unbridled joy. Irene had the pleasure of becoming a Nana to

Alexi in 2005, to Seth in 2009, and to Maximus in 2017. An extraordinary woman

with the biggest heart, she lived for her grandchildren.

Irene loved to travel, especially to Disneyland, which she visited twice a year, a

magical trip for everyone who accompanied her. She also adored dancing, and

when her knees made it too much of a challenge, she lived through Amanda

and Alexi’s dances. She enjoyed watching cooking shows on YouTube, going to

Hot August Nights in Reno, listening to the Beatles, and visiting Viva Las Vegas.

Irene was easy to talk to, though she never sugar-coated things, and was

always there for those around her, judgment-free. She was hardworking, smart,

independent, loving, caring, genuine, go-getting, strong, fun, and thoughtful,and the world has dimmed now that Irene is gone.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Amanda; her grandchildren Alexi, Seth, and

Maximus; her siblings Ruby, Christina, Catherine, Robert, Alfred, Ralph, Miguel,

and Benny; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Irene was preceded in

death by her husband, David; her grandson Liam; her parents, Maria and

Santiago; her siblings John, Raymond, and James; and Jimmy Lee.

A service for Irene will be held on December 30, 2021, at Healey Mortuary. There will be a

viewing from 1pm to 5pm, with a service at 3pm. Expressions of condolence

can be left via the funeral home or with Amanda.