Irene G Golla

October 5, 1933 – July 07, 2024

Irene peacefully entered her final rest in the afternoon of July 7th with family at her side.

Throughout her life she was known for her style and grace and always the exception to any rule. She graduated from St. Gerard’s High School and attended Incarnate Word College where she would later return to join the family at the Village of the Incarnate Word and live out her golden years.

Irene began a marketing career with Texas Pharmacal Company in 1953 which became part of Warner Lambert and then later Alcon Laboratories. It was a career that took her to every corner of North America and all over Europe.

Despite never marrying or having children of her own, she was a caregiver at heart. She lovingly cared for her mother, father, sister Mildred and lifelong friend, August Henkes until each of them passed. However, her greatest joy was caring for and participating in the lives of her great nephews and niece, Preston, Clay, and Lauren who named her their Nana. It was a title and role which was her most treasured gift and honor.

During her 16 years at The Village of the Incarnate Word, she generously assisted with chapel preparation, community prayer, social activities, and the orientation of new residents and families. She had many friends who appreciated her warm smile, graciousness, willingness to participate and compassion for others.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Genevieve Golla; father, Fred Golla; sister Mildred Riedel and brother Melvin Golla.

Survivors include sister-in-law Ruby Golla, nieces, Elaine Hicks (Tim), and Mary Freeman (Bill); nephews, Michael Golla (Monte), Steven Golla (Christie) and Bryan Golla (Katie) and all their children whom she also loved dearly.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the loving caregivers, friends and employees of the Village of the Incarnate Word who became her extended family and whom she also loved, telling them such often.

A rosary will be said by Fr Jim Rutkowski at Sunset Funeral home on Austin Highway at 7pm on July 18th, with Funeral Mass and internment at the Annunciation of the Blessed Sacrament Church in St. Hedwig, Texas at 10am, Friday, July 19th.

Pallbearers will include nephews, Bryan and Michael Golla; nephew-in-law, Bill Freeman; and grand-nephews, Preston and Clay Hicks, and Sam Golla.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Village of the Incarnate Word, 4707 Broadway, San Antonio, 78209 in Irene’s honor.