Irma made her way home to the loving arms of our Lord early Sunday morning, following a long but courageous battle with cancer. She made her final journey peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, including her husband of 46 years, Jesus Reza. The chapter of their physical lives together closed as the rain fell shortly after her passing, as it had on their wedding day in 1972.
Irma recently celebrated 69 years since her birth to Angelina and Clemente "Salvador" Chavez on February 4, 1949. Born in Albuquerque, NM, Irma spent most of her life in El Paso. She celebrated nearly 20 years as a dual-language teacher, mostly at Canutillo Elementary School. Her students were everything to her, so much so that she continued tutoring after her retirement in 2015. She was full of life and a fighter until the very end. Compassionate, accepting of others, joyful and loving, with an infectious laugh that could fill any room. She is with her Lord and Savior, whom she loved and gave her life for.
This is the short story of Irma's journey here on Earth, but there is so much more to her and the 69 years she lived. She is survived by her husband, Jesus Reza, children LoRayne Ortega, Rebecca and Nicolas Reza, brother Leo Chavez, sister Linda Wright, grand-daughter Gianna Garza, son-in-law Jason Ortega, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Remembering her will be easy, we will do it every day. Missing her will be a heartache that will never go away.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Center for Compassionate Care West, Hospice of El Paso
http://www.hospiceelpaso.org/donate.html or (915) 532-5699
