Irene A. Velasco, 98 of Hayden, AZ passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 in Tucson, AZ. Irene was born in Hayden, AZ on October 20, 1924, to parents Cruz and Manuela (Bravo) Aguirre. She grew up in Hayden with 7 siblings and attended Hayden School. On July 11, 1949, she married Rudy C. Velasco and together they raised 4 children, Lydia, Rudy, Nancy and Mary Dee.

Irene was a Devout Catholic and always made every attempt to attend church and would give her loved ones a hard time if they missed a service. She was an excellent homemaker and enjoyed cleaning and working in her yard. She was a great cook.  Irene loved going to the casino, but her favorite thing to do was her lunches at the Hayden Senior Center.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents Cruz and Manuela Aguirre, her husband Rudy Velasco, her brothers Alfonso Aguirre, Cruz Aguirre, Alfredo Aguirre, Agustine Aguirre, and Manuel Aguirre and her sister Martha Contreras, as well as many other friends and loved ones.

Irene is survived by her sister Maria Buso, children Lydia (David) Cargill, Rudy A. (Mary Ann) Velasco, Nancy Velasco, and Mary Dee Velasco. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 10 great great-grandchildren as well as so many others who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed.