Irene Chapa Cuellar

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Irene Chapa Cuellar, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that will always be remembered. 

Irene was born on November 13, 1936, in Mission, Texas, to Jose and Modesta Chapa. She was the heart of her family, raising her three daughters—Mary Alice Rivera, Rose Vega, and Irene Garza Jr.—in a home filled with love, care, and kindness. She taught them to be strong, caring, and independent. 

For 50 years, Irene was married to her soulmate, Jesus Cuellar. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family and hard work. They owned and operated Jesse's Auto Parts for 40 years and the International Ballroom for 20 years, working side by side to support their family and create lasting memories. Their life together showed the power of love and partnership. 

Known as Mrs. Cuellar to many, Irene was lovingly called "Mo" by her grandchildren. She loved cooking, baking, and making everyone feel welcome in her home. Her grandchildren—Jenney Martinez, Daniel Vega, Amanda Olvera, John Almendarez, Nicholas Vega, Vianca Almendarez, Michael Almendarez, Anthony Vega, Victoria De La Cruz, and Alyssa Davila—were her greatest joy. She also leaves behind 19 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren, who will always carry her memory in their hearts. 

A Rosary will be recited on January 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with a burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In honor of her wishes, this will be a closed-casket service. 

Pallbearers will be Daniel Vega, John Almendarez, Nicholas Vega, Michael Almendarez, Anthony Vega, Jesiah Olivan, Alan Olivan, and Ethan Marin. Honorary pallbearers are Gabriel Almendarez and Jhai'dyn Green. 

We are honored to have been part of Irene’s life and to carry forward her legacy of love, strength, and kindness. Her memory will live on in every meal shared, every laugh echoed, and every story told. She was the cornerstone of our family, and we are forever grateful for the life she lived and the love she gave.