BORN: February 20, 1933 in Austin, Texas
Irene died in Dallas Texas on March 21, 2012.RESIDENCE: Last residence: 3802 Gasper, Dallas, Texas 75220 (214-350-4050). Irene is buried at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.
EARLY CHILDHOOD:Irene was born in Ausitn, TX to Francisco and Gavina Espinosa Reyes. She is the fourth of 12 children; four brothers (Frank, Tony, Ramon, & Joe) and seven sisters (Anita, Virginia, Lydia, Rose, Rose, Juanita, & Margarita). She lived most of her early years in Austin and accompanied the family on migratory trips following the harvesting of crops in the northern states.
EDUCATION: Irene started school in 1940 in the Austin ISD and attended through the 8th grade.
MILITARY: Irene did not serve in the military.
CAREER: After becoming of age she worked with the family on their trip up north traveling to Colorado, Ohio, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Michigan Nebraska following the harvesting and picking of crops; sugar beets, tomatoes, pickles, potatoes, etc. She also working the cotton fields picking cotton in Texas and Arkansas until her move to Dallas in 1950. After moving to Dallas she obtained employment at a candy factory. She also did seasonal work at Scrom and Goldman making Christmas decorations. In 1953, she started working at Texas Fasteners, a zipper making factory, where she worked for 16 years. Her last employment was with Southern Maid Donuts (1972-1980). She then decided to go on her own as a cake baker and decorator, making cakes on a special order basis. She retired in _________.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
MARRIAGE: Irene was married to Jimmy Torres in 1948. She was divorced in 1954. Later Irene met Leo Valladarez at a "16 de Septiembre" celebration at Dallas in 1955. They courted for a while then decided to move in together in 1956, later marrying in 1962 at St. Teresa Catholic church in Dallas. They were married by Father Alberto. They continued to live in Dallas on McKinnon and McKinney streets, before purchasing their home at 3802 Gasper in Dallas.
CHILDREN: Leo and Irene had four children: