Irene V. Sauvignet

Irene V. Sauvignet was called to her heavenly home on Friday, May 6, at the age of 88.  She loved and dedicated her life to God, her family, work, and the friends who enriched her life. 

Born on May 20, 1933, to Jose and Rosaura Villarreal in Laredo, Texas.  She graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1951, earned a degree from Texas Women’s University, and completed a 39-year career as an educator with the LISD as an elementary school teacher.  Twenty years were devoted to Alma A. Pierce Elementary School where she imparted her knowledge, guidance, care, and humor to generations of pupils.  She prized the role of teacher and often reflected on the many students who would inform her that she had taught their parents.

It was as a teacher that Irene met her future husband, Henry, who was also a life-long educator.  Together they raised four children.  A prolific reader and keen traveler, she imparted these and other interests to her family.  Whether it was piano or dance lessons, the Boy Scouts, or baseball, Irene and Henry encouraged and supported their children’s interests.  One of her favorite trips was an Alaskan cruise with her family to celebrate her 75^th birthday. 

Throughout her life, Irene was involved in a number of professional and social clubs; however, most important was her faith.  A devoted Catholic, she volunteered her time to her parish, San Agustin Cathedral.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Henry; her sisters, Estela V. (Virgilio) Roel, Alicia V. (Homero) Sanchez, and her brother Eduardo Villarreal.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Henry Edmund, Ruby Ann, Joseph Homer, Paul Edward (Marisa), and her sister-in-law Dora Elia Villarreal.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer Judith, Paul Joshua, Alan Gildo, and her nieces and nephews.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to St. Augustine High School in Irene V. Sauvignet’s name (or by going to https://staug.givingfuel.com/irene-v-sauvignet-memorial-scholarship-fund). 

A rosary will be recited on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 7:00 P.M. at the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 12, at 9:30 A.M. from Hillside Funeral Home to San Agustin Cathedral.  A mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M.

Interment will follow at the family plot of the Catholic Cemetery.

Due to the COVID pandemic and everyone’s safety please continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing.  You may express your condolences to the family on our website at www.hillsidefuneral.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041.