Irene "Lochi" Avila

Irene Eloisa Avila or "Lochi" as she was known by friends and family, was a friend, mother, wife, and local humanitarian. But moreover, she possessed an innate talent for bringing out the best in all those who were around her. 

"She was the most nonjudgmental, loving, empathetic human I’ve ever met. She always thought about others and considered their struggles without prejudgment." says her best friend Rosie Solis of 25yrs.

On February 10th, 2019, in Oxnard California, surrounded by close friends and family, the courageous Irene Avila drew her final breaths.

Irene was born in Port Hueneme California on April 5th, 1965 and was raised and adored by the late Eloisa & Ylario T Avila. Eventually, Esperanza “Espie” Dominguez would assume guardianship of Lochi at age five. Espie describes a young Irene as her loving sister, then jovial daughter and finally her very best friend.

As a child, Irene attended Saint Anthony's Catholic School and then later graduated from Channel Islands High School in 1983. She later attended Watterson College in Oxnard where she studied Law to then later graduate in 1995 as a paralegal.

"She was the type of person that invested 110% in her academics, she’d never settle for just an A, she’d strive for the A+" says Nina her first born. 

Irene is survived by her adoring husband of 23yrs Raymond Lopez and her incredible children, Nina Lemos, Jennie Lemos, Steven Lopez, Franchesca Lopez, Shavon Martinez, and four grandchildren all of Oxnard, CA. 

"My mom embodies the purest form of selflessness,” says her second born Jennie Lemos.

Many revered her boastful support as she spoke out against domestic violence at events to spread awareness like at the 2018 Unity Festival in Ventura CA that she helped organize. Others, for her tremendous community involvement and pioneering efforts with the Colonia Neighborhood Council. But most notably many of us applaud her triumphs and contributions to the "My Oxnard Memories Day" event at Heritage Square.

"Her just walking into a room would make you feel your cause or effort was empowered," says Gary Blum who’s worked alongside Irene. 

“Her generosity inspired me, like all the support she showed for the Ortiz family.” Says her youngest Steven.

Despite her glaring altruism and community supporting endeavors, she was a caring and devoted mother. A woman who would rather snap a candid picture of the occasion’s festivities than alerting those that a picture was being taken. 

Irene loved life and through all her many travels and accomplishments it is clear she lived life well. We will always carry her memory in our hearts, never to be forgotten.

"I showed her the world and she taught me how to live in it. She saw something in me... she did... Irene saved my life." said Raymond.

Rosary is to be held Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 7 pm at Reardon Funeral Home. The family requests that those in attendance to please wear something Dodger Blue as Irene loved the color blue. The Church Mass will take place at 10:00 am at Saint Anthony’s Church with a reception to follow. The family would like to request flowers to be sent to Reardon Funeral Home.