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Irene Gonzalez Sibley
Irene Gonzalez Sibley was born June 28, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas, and passed away at her home in Elmendorf on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the age of 74. She was surrounded by her loving family at home after a long fight with cancer.
Irene was a smart, compassionate, and strong-willed woman of faith who lived a life of service to others. Irene was raised in the Catholic faith and was a proud student and supporter of Catholic education, having attended and graduated from both St. John Bosco Catholic School for elementary and Little Flower High School in San Antonio. She continued her education at Incarnate Word College and later San Antonio College, where she earned her nursing degree in 1978. She then began her nursing career at Santa Rosa Hospital in downtown San Antonio, where she would meet the love of her life, Roger Sibley. Irene and Roger married in 1983, and they welcomed their two sons, Charles and Joseph, in 1985 and 1987.
Irene became an integral part of her boys’ school community by being a helping hand wherever there was a need. Irene would continue to build her service-oriented nursing career at Santa Rosa for more than 30 years until it became the Children’s Hospital. She then worked with the Orthopedic Institute of San Antonio and retired from nursing in 2017.
Irene remained as busy as ever after her retirement. In 2018, she became a first-time grandmother and was a dedicated, hands-on volunteer at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Elmendorf. Irene and Roger received the Archdiocese of San Antonio Lumen Gentium award in 2023, a testament to their service to the church.
The only thing Irene loved more than serving others was quality time with her loving family and friends. She loved bringing everyone together, ensuring all felt seen, heard, and loved. Her warm, bright, and welcoming energy made any space she occupied feel like home. Whether at home, the church, or any yard she entered, Irene loved being outside, doing yardwork, and elevating the space to look as beautiful as possible. After the workday was done, she enjoyed a toasted bean taco and a frozen lime margarita to relax. Irene also enjoyed visiting thrift stores, flea markets, or anywhere she could find a great bargain on something that would benefit her or the many causes to which she contributed.
Irene’s love, life, and work ethic were an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Throughout her whole life she held firmly to her faith and never faltered even when days became difficult. Although she carried a heavy cross during her final days, she never lost her trust and faith. After a lifetime of service to others, she can now finally rest in her eternal reward, embraced by God and all her loved ones. Thank you, Irene, from all of us. Please watch over us and keep us on the right path. We love you forever!
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Esteban and Teresa Gonzalez, and her eldest sister, Guadalupe Gonzalez.
Irene is survived by her husband, Roger; her sons, Charles Sibley (Rebecca), and Joseph Sibley; her grandchildren Penelope, James, and Jude; her sisters, Vera Steves, Enedelia Charles, Esther Campos (Robert), and Elisa Gonzalez (Lucy Hemerly); and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Irene was held Thursday March 12, at 5 p.m., followed by a rosary at 7 p.m., at Bierschwale Family Heritage Oaks Funeral Home in San Antonio. A funeral Mass was held on Friday, March 13, at 10 a.m., in St. Anthony Catholic Church in Elmendorf. Interment followed in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, where Irene was be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or another charity of your choosing.
