Irene Sandoval Duarte, a lifelong resident of Buda, motivator, faithful Catholic, a lady full of life and inner strength passed away on Sunday, December 20th, 2020 at University Hospital in San Antonio Tx.
Irene was born in Buda, Texas on September 24, 1953 to Julia and Camilo Sandoval. She was the baby of the family, being the youngest of ten children. She lost her father when she was 13 and was supported and raised by her siblings whom she always kept a close relationship.
Irene graduated from Hays High School in 1973. While attending, she was a true athlete, participating in Volleyball, Basketball, Drill team and even started playing the position of shortstop at age 14 in city league softball team, in which players had to be 18 to join.
Upon graduating high school, she started working at the University of Texas where she continued to work for 34 years at the Red McCombs School of Business until she had to take a medical retirement. While working in the Business School, she was instrumental in developing the UT Trade Center for which she was immensely proud of. On February 23rd, 1974, Irene married the love of her life, Baldemar Duarte. Baldemar recalls that he saw Irene playing softball on his sister’s team and fell in love.
Together Irene and Baldemar raised their family in Buda, Texas. Irene’s strength came from her faith in God, Instilling a deep-seated faith and work ethic in her children and grandchildren. She was devoted to the Rosary and always reminded her family to trust in God, allow him to work through and for you.
Irene was non-judgmental but gave advice where you wanted it or not. She spoke her mind in a way that did not offend but got the point across. Irene loved to garden, craft, and her Texas Longhorns! She was extremely competitive and supportive of her grandchildren’s endeavors into their own sports and talents often traveling long distances and weather conditions even though she was ill or in pain just to be there for them.
Irene leaves behind her devoted husband of 46 years, Baldemar Duarte, her loving children Stephanie Vars and husband Otis Vars, Joseph Duarte and his wife Denee Duarte and Carlos Duarte. Her love, strength and generosity will also be missed by her grandchildren, Brayden Duarte, Paisley Duarte and Sterling Vars. She will also me missed by her siblings, Vicente & Anita Sandoval of Buda Tx, Camilo Sandoval Jr. & Sandra Sandoval of Dale, Tx, Angie & Lee Verver of Buda, Susie Olguin of Buda and Rudy &Gayle Sandoval of Manchaca.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents Camilo and Julia Sandoval, brother Gilbert Sandoval, brother Joe Sandoval, brother Pete Sandoval Sr. and her sister Virgina Rodriguez. Irene leaves behind a legacy of faith, motivation and strength which will be cherished by so many.
Please join Irene’s family in celebrating her remarkable life on Sunday, December 27th, 2020 for a time of visitation from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm followed by recitation of the rosary and eulogies at Harrell Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, Texas. Funeral mass will be held for Irene on Monday, December 28th, 2020 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church at 10:00am. 1100 Main Street, Buda, Texas, followed by interment at Live Oak Cemetery in Manchaca.
Please keep Irene’s family and friends in your prayers as they Celebrate the birth of Christ and heal from their loss.
Please visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Irene’s family on her On-line memorial site.
Funeral assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby Lane, Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-8200
