Irene Rodriguez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our sister and aunt, Irene Rodriguez on February 19th, 2026 after a short but courageous battle with ALS. She was born in Sinton, Texas on April 4, 1968 to parents, Ezequiel and Rebecca Rodriguez. She grew up in Gregory, Texas and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Gregory. Irene graduated from Gregory-Portland High School and immediately entered the work force. Irene was always a dedicated employee who mostly worked in management jobs. Most recently she worked at CCISD and then GPISD in the custodial management field. Irene had great faith in the Lord. She was always grateful to her Lord Jesus for what ever she had whether it was a humble meal, or a sudden unexpected gift or even just another beautiful day on earth. We would always hear her say, "Thank you Jesus!", as she made the sign of the cross. Her faith in the Lord was a blessing to see.

Irene was a kind hearted soul. She loved to surprise people around her with small gifts or words of encouragement. Even in her last days, she gifted the nurses and staff chocolate valentine candies just to see their smiles. She truly enjoyed the simple things in life and was happy living in the same way. Due to her immobility, she enjoyed watching and listening to the birds, particularly the red cardinals outside her window. She was a forever Dallas Cowboy fan and truly loved her team, win or lose. She always enjoyed watching football games with family and friends.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Ezequiel and Rebecca Rodriguez, her brother, Ignacio Rodriguez, and sisters, Olivia Villegas and Rebeca Vargas. She is survived by her siblings, Rachel Salazar, Esequiel Rodriguez, David Rodriguez, Guadalupe Rodriguez, Greg Reed, Micaela Orona, and Ramiro Rodriguez and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

The family would like to thank Meridian Nursing Care Monte Vista and Baptist Medical in San Antonio, the care and attention she received from the ALS team at Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke's Hospital in Houston Texas. Family is grateful to Harbor Hospice and all of their staff for the care and concern during our final moments with Irene. The family would also like to thank the Health Well Foundation and the Team Gleason Foundation for financial assistance and for providing some needed medical equipment. The family is also very grateful to the Albert Leal Jr. Memorial Boxing Fund to fight ALS and the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association for their monetary donation.

We would also like to thank her summer time companion aid, Liberty Menchaca, and her extended family for helping us during the times that we were away from Irene and for keeping an eye on her home while she was away for medical appointments. Many thanks to Joe and Dolores for their kindness and use of their van for transportation.

There are so many others that the family would like to thank for just being there to support the family whether by visiting or helping out with meals. And for those who helped in fixing things that were essential for her continued care. Thanks to Ed and Julie Garcia, of J&E Electric, for their quick response in the summer heat, Carl Codney, always caring and helping with minor repairs, and by keeping her & all of us laughing, and Charla Hemerly for being a great family friend and "foot fixer" for Irene.

ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and fatal neuro-degenerative disease with no known cure. Please consider making a donation to help find a cure!

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the ALS.org Foundation.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at Winsteads' Funeral Home, 500 Wildcat Dr, Portland, Texas 78374.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Immaculate Concepcion Church, 107 Church, Gregory, Texas 78359, Burial will follow at Gregory Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com