Irene Gonzalez Sibley

June 28, 1951 – March 6, 2026

Irene Gonzalez Sibley was born on June 28, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas and returned home to our Lord after she peacefully passed away at her home in Elmendorf, Texas on March 6, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by her loving family.

Irene was a smart, compassionate, and strong-willed woman of faith who lived a life of service to others in every facet of her life. Irene was raised in the Catholic faith and was a proud student and supporter of Catholic education having attended and graduated from both St. John Bosco Catholic School for elementary and Little Flower High School in San Antonio. Continuing her faith-based education, Irene attended Incarnate Word College and later graduated from San Antonio College in 1978 where she earned her nursing degree. Shortly thereafter, she began her nursing career at Santa Rosa Hospital in downtown San Antonio where she would eventually meet the love of her life, Roger Sibley. Irene and Roger would get married in 1983 and later welcome their two sons, Charles Sibley in 1985, and Joseph Sibley in 1987. Throughout all the years her boys were in school, she supported them and their schools by being an active, hands-on parent volunteer. Some of the happiest times of her life were being present for her boys, supporting their education and athletics, and becoming an integral part of the school community by being a helping hand wherever there was a need. Irene would continue to build her nursing career in service to others and go on to work at Santa Rosa Hospital for over 30 years. Shortly after Santa Rosa Hospital became "The Children's Hospital of San Antonio", Irene left to work at the Orthopedic Institute of San Antonio until she retired from nursing in 2017.

After retiring from her nursing career, Irene became as busy as ever. By 2018, she was a first-time grandmother and was a dedicated, hands-on volunteer at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Elmendorf. Irene was a woman of many talents and through her hard work and creativity, she was able to enhance anything put in front of her. Any project or event, she would work in front of and behind the scenes to ensure its success, often being the first one to arrive and the last to leave. She would volunteer in the Church office, assist in the Church Hall, and help to maintain the Church grounds to make St. Anthony look as good as the property she would keep at home. Due to their tireless commitment to their parish, Irene and Roger would later receive the Lumen Gentium Award in 2023 as a testament to their selfless service. Whether at home, the Church, or any yard she entered, Irene loved being outside, doing yardwork, and doing her best to make them look as beautiful as possible. After the workday was done, she enjoyed a toasted bean taco and a frozen lime margarita with LOTS of salt to relax. Irene also enjoyed visiting thrift stores, flea markets, or anywhere she could find a great bargain on something that would benefit her or the many causes she contributed to.

The only thing Irene loved more than serving others and showcasing her many talents, was loving her family. She was incredibly close to her four sisters with whom she shared a lifetime of memories and camaraderie. She loved to coordinate gatherings that brought all her loved ones together for as much quality time as possible. Irene always carried her family with her in her heart and made sure everyone felt seen, heard, and loved. Every space Irene occupied felt like home as her light and energy was always warm, welcoming, and bright to all who entered.

Irene was a classic example of an old school role model that talked the talk and walked the walk. She lived the Golden Rule and would never ask someone to do something that she wouldn't do herself. Her love, energy, and work ethic was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Throughout her whole life, she held firmly to her faith and never faltered even when life became difficult. Through her final days, while she carried a heavy cross, she never lost her trust and faith in God. After a lifetime of service to others, she can now finally rest in her eternal reward, embraced by God and all her loved ones. For everything you did for all who knew you, thank you Irene. Please watch over us and keep us on the right path. We love you forever!

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Esteban and Teresa Gonzalez, and her eldest sister Guadalupe Gonzalez. Irene is survived by her husband Roger, her older son Charles and wife Rebecca, her younger son Joseph, her grandchildren Penelope, James, and Jude, her sisters Elvira Steves, Enedelia Charles, Esther Campos and husband Robert, Elisa Gonzalez and her partner Lucy Hemerly, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 5:00PM – 9:00 PM with a rosary service at 7:00 PM at Heritage Oaks Mortuary at 2502 S WW White Rd, San Antonio, TX 78222. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church at 16505 Kilowatt Rd, Elmendorf, TX 78112. Interment will follow in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery where Irene will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/ or any charity of your choosing.