Irene M. Valdez

Irene M. Valdez, passed away on May 8, 2012. She was 83 years old. She resided in the South Bay for nearly 70 years. She was born to Augustine Hermenegildo and Maria Gonzales on November 28, 1928 in Alhambra, California. She attended San Gabriel Mission School and later moved to Torrance where she attended Torrance High. On August 9, 1951 she married the love of her life, Manuel Valdez in Yuma Arizona. They were married for 58 wonderful years.
Irene was very active in her children's lives. She was a board member for Pacific Coast Little League and a member of Sam Levy Elementary PTA where she organized carnivals and other events. As a Camp Fire Girl leader she touched the lives of many young girls. She was active in a bowling league and even went on to win on "Bowling for Dollars"! She worked several years at the voting polls where she made many friends. Mom and Dad were active members of the Torrance Athletic Club and were honored to be the poster couple in a club advertisement. Later she worked at the club as a child care provider, a job she loved. She also worked at the old Torrance laundry in downtown Torrance out of high school. As a volunteer she looked forward to decorating the Torrance Rose Parade float.
Trips to Europe took Irene to France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Russia. Hawaii was another favorite along with cruises to Mexico. Most of all, she enjoyed trips to Yosemite, Las Vegas, Oregon and San Diego. She loved going to Disneyland and Dodger games. She also loved going to the Fair, Broadway shows and seeing our good friend Helen Reddy in concert. She opened her home to many family gatherings where great memories were made. She enjoyed spending time with her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she loved dearly.
Irene is survived by her loving children, Ed (Lynette), Mary, Mercy, Manuel Jr. and Robert (Natasha); 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Hermenegildo and sister, Lucy Munoz and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Manuel, her parents Augustine and Maria, brother's Augustine and Tony, sister Dolores and grandson Eddie Valdez Jr.
Memorial services will be held at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 15 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with the Rosary following at 7:00 p.m. at Green Hills Chapel. A memorial mass will be held at Nativity Catholic Church in Torrance on Wednesday, May 16, at 10 a.m. with interment following at Green Hills Memorial Park.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275