Irene Rodriguez Hinojosa, 88, of Los Fresnos, TX passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her family. As a teenager, Irene migrated to Brownsville from Matamoros in search of a better future. She began to work as a housekeeper, shortly after she married her teenage love, Julio. They began a family, and she became a housewife. She prepared meals, always kept the house clean and clothing washed. She enjoyed raising chickens, turkeys, and just about any small animal. Later, she started working in the cotton fields, waking up at the crack of dawn to make sure all chores were completed. She raised 7 children. Irene always taught her children to be respectful, humble, and the value of working hard. She later worked on the Island as a housekeeper at the Sheraton. After many years she left her job at the Sheraton and began work as a private housekeeper for a homeowner. When her spouse began his journey with Alzheimer’s, she stayed home to help care for him. After his passing, Irene stayed home and enjoyed life the best she could. Her love for animals brought her into a full circle and she began to raise chickens again. Her past time included sitting on her front porch and watching the chicken’s free roam. Although she began her fight with Dementia, she never forgot to let the chickens out to free roam or get them fed. Up to her last week in life, she whispered "Go let the chickens out." She will be missed by many. She is preceded in death by her husband Julio Hinojosa; parents, Eleno Rodriguez, and Juana Cardenas Rodriguez; son, Omero Hinojosa; and brother, Hector Rodriguez. Left to cherish her memory are her loving nephew, Ruben Mata, children; Juan Jose Hinojosa (+Judith), Ana Hernandez, Efren Hinojosa (Adelina), Octabio Hinojosa (Dora), Oscar Hinojosa (Socorro), Irene Rodriguez (Jesse); siblings, Anastacio Rodriguez, Petra Rodriguez, Hermino Rodriguez, Maria Leal, Sixta White; 23 grandchildren, Juan Jose Jr. (Jay), Frank, Vanessa, Daniel, Joshua, Jonathan, Efren Jr. ,Derrick, Adrian, Julio, Annie, Belinda, Oscar Jr., Sergio, Irene, Henry, Jerry, Brenda, Selena, Homer, Orlando, Jesse, and Julisa; and multiple beautiful and handsome great grandchildren. Lastly, but not least, she leaves behind her cherished kitty, “Kirina”. On behalf of our family, we extend a special thanks to the staff of Gentiva Hospice, the staff of Agua Cristalina -Elenor, Irma, Sandra, Cynthia and Brenda and Harlingen Medial Center staff members that were so understanding and supportive. In addition, we also give special thanks to Janice Silva of H.M.C.; Dr. Ricardo Ochoa, her long-time primary care physician, and Adriana Rodriguez for assuring that our mom always had beautiful, manicured nails. Visitation will be held Friday, February 16, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, TX. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 606 W. Ocean Blvd, Los Fresnos, TX with interment of her ashes at Los Cuates Cemetery in Los Fresnos, TX. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Irene Rodriguez Hinojosa at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.