Irene G. Benavides passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on January 21, 1940, to her parents Rogacion and Olivia Garza, Irene was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

As a lifetime resident of Corpus Christi, she was a proud graduate of Roy Miller High School, as she said, "Once a Buc, Always a Buc." As the devoted wife of a Vietnam War Veteran, she was a loyal member of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary. Her servant's heart dedicated many years to the Christus Spohn South Hospital Volunteers, serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Her life was a perfect example of grace, devotion to God, and love of family.

Upon marrying her beloved Jose "Joe" Angel Benavides on September 17, 1961, they created a profound love story. Together, they welcomed three children, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a lifetime of wonderful memories. Irene was a constant presence in their lives, attending every program, sporting event, recital, or simply taking them for a snack after school. Her joyful life and legacy of love will live on for generations.

She is now joined in heaven by her husband of 61 years, Jose "Joe" Angel Benavides, her parents, and her sister Amelida (Ramiro) Arrazola.

Irene leaves to cherish her memories her children: JoAnn (Reynaldo) Garcia, Michael Joe (Elizabeth) Benavides, and Adrian Benavides; her grandchildren: Ashley (Austin) Lowenberg, Julian (Brenda) Benavides, Danielle Garcia, Joseph (Leah) Garcia, Maria Elena Benavides, Adrian "Buddy" Benavides, Alexandra (Elliott) Lefler, Aidan Benavides, Andrew Benavides, and Ashton Benavides; her great-grandchildren: Dax and Rowan Lowenberg, Camila Benavides, Adalynn and Abigail Garcia, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at White Orchid and ESPECIALLY mom's provider, Teresa Sanchez for all you did to care for our mom.

Public visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024 , at Guardian Funeral Home Chapel A, with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. that evening.

Visitation will resume at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024 , at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd., with the Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. that morning.

Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 IH 37 Access Rd.

Serving as pallbearers are Julian Benavides, Adrian "Buddy" Benavides, Reynaldo and Joseph Garcia, Austin Lowenberg, Aidan, Andrew and Ashton Benavides.