With heavy hearts and sadness, we announce the January 15, 2024 passing of our dear and beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Evelyn Irene Colmenero.

Irene was born to Abel Verdugo and Aurora Bourbon on April 23, 1939, in Fresno, California. Irene was an energetic youth, and often spoke fondly of her childhood and the many memories. She attended Edison High School, and after graduation enjoyed a career in data transcribing. She retired early in life allowing her to spend time enjoying her grandchildren. Irene loved the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. She would begin preparing for the festivities weeks in advance, and her family has numerous fond memories of those holidays. Irene passed away peacefully after battling Alzheimer's for many years.

She is preceded in death by her husband Manuel Colmenero, her parents, her brothers and sisters, her son Thomas Santellano, and granddaughter Destinee Salazar-Ortiz.

She is survived by her daughters Denise and Summer, her sons Danny, Augie and his wife Dori, Joe and his wife Patty, grandchildren Alyssa, Michael, Nathaniel, Austin, Gabriela, Liliana, Joseph, Adam and Andrew, and great grandson Rowan. Our mother will be missed dearly, and remain forever in our hearts.

A visitation for Irene will be held Thursday, January 25, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Farewell Funeral Home – Palm Bluffs, 660 W. Locust  avenue, Suite 101 in Fresno, California 93650. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held Thursday, January 25, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Farewell Funeral Home – Palm Bluffs, 660 W. Locust Avenue, Suite 101 in Fresno, California 93650.

A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday January 26 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 2140 N. Cedar Avenue, Fresno, California 93703. Graveside services will be held Friday, January 26 directly after the church services at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 N. Blythe Avenue, Fresno, California 93706.

We want to extend a special thank you to Willow Creek Health Care and Hospice of The Valley for their love and compassionate care for our mother during her journey home.