Irene C. Sanchez

Irene Sanchez, 70, passed away on September 23, 2026, in San Benito, Texas. Born on August 24, 1956, in San Benito, she was the daughter of Abraham Cruz and Josefa Galvez Cruz.

A proud graduate of Los Fresnos High School, Class of 1974, Irene married her high school sweetheart, Santiago "Jimmy" Sanchez, with whom she shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. Irene cherished her grandchildren, finding great joy in attending their extracurricular activities.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Abraham and Josefa and her sibling, Rudy Cruz.

Irene is survived by her beloved husband, Jimmy Sanchez; her children, Abel Sanchez (Christina), Adam Sanchez (Denise), and JoAnne Sanchez; as well as her treasured grandchildren, Victoria and James Sanchez; Adam and Leah Sanchez; and Kara and Mark Cisneros and her siblings, Abraham Cruz (Pam), Elizabeth Cruz, Danny Cruz (Mary), George Cruz, and Robert Cruz.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice Care and staff, particularly nurse Chris, for their exceptional care and compassion during this process. Special thanks to Carmen Lopez for her companionship and care. The love you showed our mother will never be forgotten.

The Sanchez family will receive friends and family on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in El Ranchito. Following the Mass, Irene will be laid to rest at Sanchez Cemetery in El Ranchito.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Abel Sanchez, Adam Sanchez, Joanne Sanchez, James Sanchez, Adam Jay Sanchez, and Mark Alexander Cisneros.