Irma Hastings

Irma M. Hastings Irma M. Hastings, 94, left this world to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. She was born to her parents Antonio and Ester Martinez in 1920 in Tampico, Mexico. She and her family arrived in Laredo when Irma was three years old. The Martinez family then lived in the same neighborhood as her beloved Dan. Lifelong friends and then eventually sweethearts, Irma and Dan married in December of 1943. Irma graduated Salutatorian from Raymond and Tirsa Martin High School in 1939 and attended and graduated from Business School in Laredo. She entered the realm of business in U.S. Customs Immigration and Naturalization, worked at Roark Insurance Co. for overn15 years and completed her professional life as Manager of Jovita Perez d/b/a Daniel B. Hasting Customs House Broker. After her retirement, she continued to dedicate her life to Christ our Lord, her gardens and her beloved husband’s and her greenhouse, which was filled with common and rare orchids from many countries. It was always a surprise to her guests when she gifted them, on their departure, with an orchid. Irma was active and deeply involved in The Court of Isabella Catholic Daughters #683, The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, Tuesday Music and Literature Club and The Altar Society of Blessed Sacrament Church. Her Catholic faith was her Shield, Armor and never wavered. Irma was and continues to be a tremendous influence in the lives of her family to whom she selflessly gave her Kindness, Patience, Understanding, Time and above all Love. These attributes not only touched her family, but all who knew her and loved her. She will live in our hearts, our thoughts and lives forever. Irma was preceded in death by her lifetime, friend, partner and husband of almost 60 years, Daniel B. Hastings, Sr., her beloved children, Jovita Lorraine Hastings Walker, Daniel B. Hastings, Jr., and Cynthia Dianne Hastings Regius, her sister Maria Gloria Magdalena Carranco and brothers, Ernesto Antonio and Pablo Angel Martinez. She is survived by her siblings, Blanca Alicia Martinez and brother Jaime Luis Martinez, her cherished daughters, Sandra Gail Hastings, Irma E., ‘Sister’ Hastings, Elizabeth Yvonne Hastings, her precious 16 grandchildren and her adored 15 great grandchildren. Prior to her death, Irma was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 16th great grandchild. The Holy Rosary will be recited on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will commence immediately after and last until 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. A mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. A private inurnment will take place at a later date. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.