Irene Garcia

Our beloved mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend, Irene Garcia (Auntie Rennie), passed away peacefully from cancer on May 6, 2024. She is remembered for her laughter, work ethic, cooking, gardening, redecorating, and her craftiness, particularly crocheting countless items, and sharing her knowledge with others. She is also remembered for her strong will, independence, loyalty and generosity to friends and family. Irene loved going to the Ayala/Gonzalez Family Reunion, singing, sharing stories, and reminiscing with everyone in the “Familia.”

Irene was born to Soledad (Ayala) and Simon Morales Garcia on 11/11/1936 in Los Angeles. She was raised in East Los Angeles. She graduated from Garfield High School and was part of a church sponsored car club, the Hot Coils, the female members were known as the Coilettes. She loved to go to dances, particularly when her cousin, Paul Castellanos, was playing with the Armenta Brothers or the Latin Kings. She was married to Joseph Chavez on 1/25/1958 and divorced on 10/10/1984. They adopted two children, David in 1964 and Debbie in 1966.

Irene lived in Whittier, CA for a major portion of her life, from 1969 to 2000. She raised her children in her house on Lanett Avenue. She was actively involved in her children’s lives including being an active PTA member, driving to various sporting events for her son David and being a Bluebird leader for her daughter, Debbie. She also supported her nieces and sister in Bobby Sox softball. She cared for many of her grandkids, nieces, and their children, hence her beloved nickname, Auntie Rennie. She held many jobs including working for Norris Industries and ALCOA, but she most fondly remembered her time as a paraeducator at Gage Middle School in the LAUSD. She retired in 2003. She resided in Sante Fe Springs, Hemet, and Oxnard before her final 5 years in Santa Paula. She made friends wherever she lived and was active at the Santa Paula Community Center and well-loved at St John’s Lutheran Church in Oxnard.

Irene is survived by David (son) and Beverly Chavez, Debbie Chavez (daughter), 3 grandsons: Zandler (David), Joseph and Ruben (Debbie), great-grandson: Joseph, Jr. (Joseph), sisters: Linda and Frances (aka Xochii), nieces/nephews: Christine, Alex, Gina, Yvonne (Esther), Greg, Catherine, Gary (Mario), Shyanna, Elsu (Frances), John, Tammy, Bobbie Dawn (Linda). She was close to her grandnieces/nephews: Nick, James (Christine), Tanisha, Amber, Louie (Gina), James and Alexandra (Yvonne). She is preceded in death by her mother and father, brother: Mario, sisters: Esther, Esther (II) Rachel, grandson: Anthony (Debbie), niece: Diane (Mario), and grandnephew: Joey (Christine).

Irene’s love and laughter will be missed by all of us who knew and loved her.

Irene’s Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Saturday, June 8 at St John’s Lutheran Church, 1500 North C Street, Oxnard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St John’s Lutheran Church Oxnard RFKC

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