It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Alvarado on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Born in Pleasanton, Texas, to Herman Cardenas Sr. and Anita (Reyes) Cardenas, Irene was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by her love for her family, her generous heart, and a lifetime devoted to caring for others.

Irene dedicated 43 years in healthcare, starting out at Jourdanton’s Mercy Hospital, then to Tri-City hospital and finally at South Texas Regional where she retired in 2009. Caring for others was more than a profession, it was simply part of who she was. She spent many years working in the maternity ward before later transitioning to the role of unit coordinator. Throughout her career, Irene was known for her dedication, strong work ethic, leadership, and compassion. Her many years of service allowed her to touch countless lives and form lasting friendships along the way.

Irene was a giving and generous woman who was always thinking of others. Whether through a thoughtful gesture, a gift, or simply being there when someone needed her, she had a special way of making people feel loved and cared for. Her family was at the center of her life, and the love she poured into them will forever remain one of her greatest legacies.

She was also a devoted baseball wife for many years, proudly standing beside her husband and sharing in the countless memories, friendships, and experiences that baseball brought into their lives.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; and her sisters, Ernestina Cardenas and Mary Peña.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 63 years, Guadalupe D. Alvarado; her children, Sandra Zuniga (Tracy), Roy Alvarado, Robert Alvarado (Mitchel), Jennifer Rosales (John); brother, Herman Cardenas Jr. (Janie); sister, Linda Lopez (Joe); grandchildren Jackie Zuniga, Trey Zuniga (Samantha), Derek Alvarado (Michelle), Roy Alvarado Jr., Jasmine Cooke (Alexander), Quentin Alvarado (Schannon), Joel Alvarado, Alannah Alvarado, Lukas Alvarado, Nolan Alvarado, Nelly Alvarado and Brooke Rosales.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Tracie Corona, Levi Martinez, Jeriah Zuniga, Onyx Zuniga, Lauren Grace Alvarado, Rylee Rodriguez, Theo Alvarado, Jack Alvarado and Leia James Alvarado; her grand dog Gia Rosales, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Irene leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, service, generosity, and devotion. The many lives she touched throughout her 43 years in healthcare and the unconditional love she gave so freely to her family will never be forgotten. Her memory will continue to live on through the family she cherished and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Services will conclude at the church.

Serving as pallbearers will be Trey Zuniga, Derek Alvarado, Roy Alvarado Jr., Quentin Alvarado, Joel Alvarado, Bernaldo Pena lll, and Billy Arnold.