Irma Diaz de Leon

Remembered as a motivated teacher, Irma Diaz de Leon’s care for her students didn’t stop at the classroom door. Concerned with their overall wellbeing, Irma led a campaign against students selling chocolate bars at school fundraisers in a Mexican-American population with a high incidence of diabetes and obesity.

Irma died on July 20, 2026, at the age of 90, four months after a debilitating stroke.

Irma Juanita Rivera was born on April 21, 1936, in San Antonio, to Hegesipo and Juanita Gonzalez Rivera. As a teen, Irma lost her father, but her mother ensured that she went to college. Once trained as a teacher, Irma supported the efforts of her younger siblings to attain their education.

The Jefferson High School graduate enrolled in San Antonio College where she met her future husband, Robert Diaz de Leon. She transferred to Southwest Texas Teacher’s College in San Marcos where she completed her bachelor’s degree.

Irma began her teaching career at Harlandale High School as an English teacher before taking a break to rear her young children. Irma returned to work as an English teacher in an adult literacy program for individuals working to attain a GED. Irma then moved to teach Spanish at Highlands High School, a highlight of her career. She approached her job as she lived: strict adherence to the rules but indulgence in learning and creativity. A testament to her impact in the classroom: many of her Advanced Placement Spanish students scored 5 of 5 on the nationally administered test that awards college credit to high school students.

An important anchor in Irma’s life was her Christian faith, which she strove to exemplify in her work and family. In addition to teaching, Irma dedicated her life to rearing her children, caring for her grandson and actively participating in her church community, where she taught Sunday School and Bible Study. In honor of her mother, she created a scholarship to help the children of single parents living in the 78207 zip code to help attain post-high school education. A lifelong seamstress, Irma took up quilting in her retirement, producing beautiful quilts and teaching others the craft.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Divine Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 407 N. Calaveras. The Rev. Kelsey Penn will officiate.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents; partner of twenty-five years, Albert Amezquita; and siblings, Lucy Rivera and Hiram Rivera and his wife, Helen. She is survived by children, Cynthia and Robert of San Antonio, Richard and his wife, Teri, of Barcelona; grandson, Caleb Armendariz of Austin; brother, Homer Rivera and wife, Connie; four nephews and numerous great nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Divine Redeemer Presbyterian Church.