Irene Aragon

Irene Aragon (87), also known as Grandma Rene by her grandkids, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her parents Pablo and Juanita Cruz, husband Roger J. Aragon, grandsons: Phillip Aragon, Patrick Aragon and Gene Sanchez, son in-law Robert Sanchez; siblings: Mary Sanchez, Lydia Ramirez, Guillermo (Willie) Cruz, Lawrence Cruz, Irene Cruz and Isabel Sanchez.

Irene is survived by her children: Esther Torres, Arthur Aragon (Lillian), Henry Aragon (Lisa), Yvonne Alvidrez (Victor) and Stella Sanchez, siblings: Esperanza Roybal (Pres), Cecilia Davis, Raymond (Ray) Cruz, sister-in-law Josie Hoyle (Hamilton) and countless grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Irene was born on April 16, 1936, to parents Pablo and Juanita Cruz, in Albuquerque, NM. At age 16 she met the love of her life Roger and they were married on January 2, 1954. They went on to start their family and had five children. From those children, Irene was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandsons. Irene dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for them all, as well as any other person who needed a grandmother in their lives. Her generosity and caring spirit made her home a sanctuary for everyone, including many types of animals. Irene adored her little dogs Lily, Chica, Jax and Juju and turtles Shelby and Roxy. She was the matriarch of the family and taught us all about faith, love and kindness. She always made sure to feed anyone who visited or at least offered you something to eat, because she didn’t like sending you home on an empty stomach. Irene was loved by everyone she met and made them feel like part of the family.

Friends and family will forever remember loving Irene for her selfless heart and the warmth she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy of compassion and generosity will live on through the many lives she touched.

Irene’s Life Celebration will begin with a visitation on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Salazar Mortuary located at 400 Third St SW, 87102. Service lead by Pastor Jim Meyer will begin at 2:00 p.m. Irene will be laid to rest following the service at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1900 Edith Blvd NE, 87102. Reception will be follow at VFW Post 6216 located at 2631 Bridge Blvd. SW, 87105.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Steven Sanchez, Joseph Duran, Dominic Duran, Henry Aragon Jr., Jacob Alvidrez and James Garcia.

Honorary Pallbearers will be granddaughters Alisia Sanchez, Kayleigh Martinez, Jadelyn Sanchez, and grandsons Xavier Martinez and Ezekiel Espinosa.