Marquez, Irene “Nena”

Our beloved Irene Marquez, age 84, passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 8, 2023 due to her long, courageous battle with diabetes. She was born in San Nicolas de Ibarra, Jalisco, Mexico on March 8, 1939 and in time, made her forever home in Santa Barbara, California with her husband, Juan Marquez Sr. and their family. Irene, also known by those closest to her as “Nena” was a loving mother to her sons and daughter. She loved all her grandkids and extended family unconditionally and welcomed all who met her. She always wanted the best for her family, had a heart of gold and was an avid catalog shopper, especially when it came to her cheetah print attire! Our Nena was happiest when family would come together to celebrate, laugh, dance and eat. Cooking for her family and friends was her passion and she always did it with “amor”; no measurements needed, she always knew just the right amount of ingredients to make her meals perfect. Our family will miss her dearly but we know her angel wings will always comfort and protect us. Nena is preceded in death by one child and survived by her husband of 68 years of marriage, Juan Marquez Sr., their five sons, daughter and their children; Juan Marquez Jr. (Tamara), Tammy, Sandra, Erica, Kevin; Silvia Marquez-Rivas (Kenny), Daniel, Gabriel; Raul Marquez (Irma), Sylvia, Christina, Patricia, Jessica; Luis Marquez (Amelia), Crystal, Samantha; Carlos Marquez (Lupita), Monique, Monica, Carlos (CJ) Jr., Johnny; and Manuel Marquez (Gina), Amanda, Mark, Heather; plus 31 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandson and many nephews and nieces, all whom she loved and touched deeply.

Please join us for Rosary services on Thursday, June 15th at 7pm and Funeral Services on Friday, June 16th at 10am, both at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Santa Barbara. Burial services to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Santa Barbara, CA.