Maria Del Carmen Iruegas

Maria del Carmen Iruegas went home to our Lord on January 18, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born in Uvalde, Texas on November 17, 1936 to Zenona Torres and Francisco Ibarra.

Carmen graduated from Uvalde High School in 1955, and shortly after, she met her husband Raul Iruegas, a Navy Veteran, at college in San Antonio. She married Raul at Sacred Heart on July 21, 1957, on his birthday. Their children were Raul Ricardo, Sergio Arturo, and Isela Iris. During her early career, Carmen worked at Randolph Air-force base in San Antonio as a stenographer for one year, then at Texas Prudential Insurance Company as Office Supervisor 1957-1963.

As was the custom in the 1960s, Carmen stayed at home to raise children for 23 years. While her sons were in high school, Carmen inspired he children to continue their education by attending the Spanish Bible Institute in San Antonio where she was the valedictorian and earned her Bachelors in Theological Studies. She continued her studies at Oblate School of Theology where she earned her Masters of Theological Studies. She then returned to work at Mexican American Catholic College as their Registrar in 1986 and transferred to Catholic Chancery as Archbishop Patrick Flores’ Executive Secretary for 20 years. Carmen retired when he retired.

Carmen is preceded in death by husband Raul Iruegas, by son Raul Ricardo Iruegas, by brothers Telesforo (Pepelo) and Valeriano (Bowie) Ibarra, and parents Zenona Torres Ibarra and Francisco Ibarra.

Carmen was a lifetime member of St. John Berchman’s Church, and member of Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society of San Antonio, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas San Antonio Chapter, VFW Women’s Auxiliary of Uvalde, and a Board Member of UHS Alumni Association.

Carmen loved to travel with her travel group. She journeyed to five European countries in 1973, made a pilgrimage to Israel with her son, Sergio, in 1980. She also went with her daughter, Isela, on a travel study group to ten European countries in 1986. Carmen and her friend, Edna, went on a Hawaiian Cruise and visited the main islands and Pearl Harbor. She went back to the Holy Land and traveled to Egypt and Jordan. Carmen also toured Beijing, China, and she visited the Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, and the Palace at the Forbidden City. Carmen enjoyed monthly luncheon with her travel group and playing Loteria with her Loteria Group.

She is survived by her son Sergio Arturo Iruegas and wife, Melinda Tate Iruegas and her grandchildren, Rowan, Logan, and Kiera Iruegas of San Antonio; her daughter Isela Iris Iruegas and step-granddaughter Vivienne Marie Olvera also of San Antonio; step great granddaughter, Sophee Lynne Salinas; brothers, Frank Ibarra, Jr. of Eagle Pass and Martin Ibarra of Uvalde.

Visitation will begin on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.  A graveside service will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Uvalde Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Sergio Iruegas, Rowan Iruegas, Logan Iruegas, nephews, Uvalde Deputy Sherriff Gilbert Ibarra, Bowie Ibarra, and Andres Guevara.