Irene Villalpando Guerrero

Irene Villalpando Guerrero was born July 4, 1958, in Purisima del Rincon, Guanajuato, Mexico. She was the second youngest of nine siblings born to Jose Guadalupe Villalpando and Maria Damiana Villalpando-Guerrero.  Sadly, her father passed away at a young age and her mother (being an American citizen) relocated to Ventura County near her siblings. In her youth, Irene was a very dutiful daughter, taking care of various household duties, often going to work with her mother after school and on weekends. While she had many friends, her closest confidant was her dog Piñona. 

She grew up steeped in Catholic tradition taught to her by her mother. Although not well off, a widow, and mother of nine, Maria was a generous philanthropic soul, an admirable trait which was heavily ingrained into her children. Without exception, Irene held her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ above all else, giving her the unshakable positive outlook she was most known for.  Second most prevalent was her generosity, often devoting time, resources, and ideas to anyone and everyone in need. Always crediting the Lord for having blessed her life so generously. Maria also gifted Irene with a strong sense of self, frequently conveyed by her independence, freely given opinions, innovation, resolute attitude, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Shortly after obtaining her Associative Arts Degree, Irene married her childhood crush and close friend Hermilo Guerrero. Adapting to her new life as a military wife Irene gave birth to her first son on May 17, 1982, in Santa Barbara, California. Not long after, the young family relocated to the Fresno area. Irene being the beautiful soul she was, it didn't take long to make many friends. Irene later gave birth to her second son May 23rd, 1988, and her third and final child on December 26th 1990. Although she lost her mother in a car accident in October of 1989. Irene was determined to ensure her legacy was carried on in her every step.  Irene moved back to the Central Coast, to Oxnard, California three months after her final child was born. Irene's accomplishments included finishing college, working in an ER, running her own daycare, yard duty at a local elementary, and finally working for Ventura County as a Medical Office Assistant working with physically disabled children.   

Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was the way she freely gave her heart and soul.  Throughout her life many children would come to refer to her as their second Mother.  Irene embodied Titus 2:3-5 in the way she helped others. She taught several neighborhood kids to drive, others to cook, and others to perform personal hygiene. Many kids went to buy dresses with her, others relied on her to model their hair before a school dance, boys were taught how to become gentlemen, girls to become ladies, kids to help their parents, parents to talk to their kids, and marriages to compromise.

Irene was a free loving spirit with a great sense of humor.  She loved being outdoors and taught her children to do the same. Spending all her free time at parks, the beach, camping, walking, and occasionally trips to Magic Mountain. There was not a ride she backed away from, she was a thrill seeker, tough, and as brave as they come.

Irene is survived by her three boys: Hermilo, Adrian, and Demitri Guerrero; siblings: Julita, Guadalupe, Josephina, and Maria; grandchildren: Giovanni, Neveah,  Savanah, Gilbert, and Benjamin; and numerous godchildren and ‘adopted’ children.

Irene was many things to many people and above all else, she was loved and revered by all who met her.  There was not an injustice she didn’t try to correct, a heart she didn’t touch, and a soul that won’t miss her legendary hugs.

Irene Villalpando Guerrero's life taught us this: 1) Every life can change; 2) Every soul can be saved; 3) Every child deserves love and to be safe; 4) We are all children of God; 5) When you give, your heart is rewarded; 6) laugh often and 7) No goodbye is complete without at least four hugs.

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