Irene Perez Colunga

Irene is survived by her three children, Arnold Colunga (Audra French), Irma Colunga (Derek Klein), Ivonne Arellano (Juan); and her grandchildren, Aurora, Ariana, Tiana, Audrey, Lauren, Addison, Caroline, Carson and Michael- who brought her endless pride and happiness. She is also survived by her sisters, Angie Colunga and Oralia Perez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was the third of five daughters born to Leonardo and Angelita Perez on March 14, 1935, in San Benito, Texas. She would eventually meet and marry Abelardo Colunga, the brother of one of her brothers-in-law. Together, they had five children, raising three children to adulthood, and losing two children. Though she dreamed of going to college and becoming a teacher, she settled into the workforce, working in various fields, but always providing for her family, financially and emotionally.

Mom was a force of nature and the heart of our family, always loving and always loved. She was the bridge-builder of her families, always seeking to connect with relatives. She and Dad valued education, with all three of her children graduating from college. She was a devoted Catholic who truly lived her faith, and found strength in the rosary and daily prayer. You could count her on to pray for anything asked of her. She was a diehard Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys fan, though she rarely watched as she did not want to jinx them. She cooked amazing and delicious food, which she passed down to her daughter, Ivonne, who graduated from culinary school.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leonardo and Angelita Perez, her husband Abelardo and son Aaron Rene, and sisters Lydia Pena and Elva de la Fuente.

Visitation will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, US, on March 22, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079, US, on March 23, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.