Irene Franco Ortiz

Irene was a long time resident of the Houston Heights area where she raised her children. She was an anchor for her entire family and dedicated her life to making sure that they were well taken care of and loved. Her home was filled with photographs, memorabilia and items of sentiment. She found a new sense of meaning and life with the birth of each of her grandchildren. They each brought her unbounded joy and became her world. As with her children, she made sure that they all knew the importance of family, love and education. They each share their own unique memories of the time they shared with her including birthday parties, school activities, crafts, holidays, and cooking with her in the kitchen.

Besides focusing on being a loving mother and wife, Irene enjoyed a long administrative career with Deluxe Check Printing and later moved on to work for several local retailers such as Walgreen’s and McDonald’s. Because she enjoyed interacting with people and had a compassionate heart for those that could not help themselves, she eventually found a career as a nursing home assistant. She leaves behind a little bit of herself in everyone that she knew and will be remembered for her loving and caring nature.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents Lucy Andrada Franco and Pete Cobarubio Franco and by siblings Pete Franco I, Julia Franco, and Martin Franco. She is survived by her children Lena Taylor, Leonard Ortiz, and Gregory Ortiz; her grandchildren Matthew Taylor, Hannah Taylor, Jennifer Taylor, Julianna Taylor, Irene Ortiz, and Rebecca Ortiz; ex-husband Leonard Ortiz; and Godson Daniel A. Korn. She is also survived by her siblings Janie Kaufman, Patsy Franco, Delores Resendez, Pete Franco, Mary Shuford, Isabella Franco, Robert Franco, Perfecto Franco, Thomas Franco, and Yolanda Parker; several brother/sister-in-laws; thirty-four nieces/nephews; several great nieces/nephews; and many friends.

The funeral service will begin at 12pm on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at the Heights Funeral Home located at 1317 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas 77008. Viewings are scheduled for Tuesday, December 21, 2010, from 10am-9pm and Wednesday, December 22, 2010, from 10am-12pm. The burial will take place at the Historic Hollywood Cemetery.