Irene Banegas

Irene L. Banegas joined the Lord in eternal life on December 30, 2023. She was 85 years old. Irene was born on October 21, 1938 to Luis and Josephina Lopez. In 1960 she married the love of her life, Raymond A. Banegas, and they started a beautiful family together.

Irene worked at WSMR for many years and upon retiring took on a venture as an Avon sales representative. Later, she became involved in the Christ Child circle where she made long lasting friends while helping those in need in our community. Irene was a devout Catholic and an active member of the church. She enjoyed many hobbies and did plenty of traveling, camping, and fishing. Irene made beautiful cross-stitched art, winning blue ribbons at the fair and adorning many of our walls. Her love for baking was well known and we all enjoyed her delicious cookies, cakes, pies, empanadas, and other desserts. Smart, witty, free-spirited, sharp, and funny, Irene was an absolute delight to be around. She was a ray of sunshine everywhere she went. Irene had a heart of gold, endlessly caring for others. Those of us who were blessed to have Irene in our lives are so very lucky. We will all miss her dearly.

Irene is preceded in death by her mother, Josephina Lopez, father, Luis Lopez, and brother, David Lopez. She is survived by her loving husband, Raymond A. Banegas, daughter, Mary Morales (Pete), son, Raymond D. Banegas (Betty), granddaughter, Stephanie Sanchez (Gerald), and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and dear friends.

Services will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary on Wednesday, January 10th. The rosary will begin at 10:30 AM followed by the funeral mass at 11 AM followed by inurnment in the Columbarium.