Irene Hernandez Montenegro

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Irene H. Montenegro, 76, the beloved Matriarch of the family, passing away on August 29, 2025, at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM surrounded by her loving family, and holding the hand of her life partner.

Irene was born on February 9, 1949, in Silver City, NM to Miguel and Benita Hernandez. Irene’s greatest joy and achievement was her close-knit family, and she was the heart of the family. Her kitchen was the gathering place for family dinners, holiday events, and any other family event she could think of. Irene had a knack for remembering every birthday, anniversary, and important date in her families lives, never forgetting to make a phone call. Irene leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, strength, love, guidance, and above all her moxie personality. Irene was very bold, and self-confident.  Those who knew her well, knew Irene was a woman of privacy and preferring comfort of her solitude at her kitchen table where she sat for hours admiring the view at her home on the hilltop while drinking a cup of coffee.  Irene dedicated herself to her children and grandchildren. Her homemade bread and cakes were legendary, and she was delighted in teaching the recipes to each new generation. 

Irene survived by her life partner of 45 years, Greg Bustos of Santa Clara, NM, one sister Porfiria Holguin of Silver City, NM, one son, Robert Montenegro, of Santa Clara, NM, two daughters, Selena Sandoval and husband Joe of Vanadium NM, Tanya Lawrence and husband James, of Deming, NM, nine grandchildren, Christina, Robert Jr., Steven Montenegro, Bobby, Matthew, Joseph, Jessica Sandoval, James Jr., and Jaylyn Lawrence, ten great grandchildren, Avery, Ezekiel, Elijah Sandoval, Kiara Baker, Anthony, Janai Mitchell, Aryana Kinnard, Oakley, Emmera Montenegro, Alaya Lawrence and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held followed by a gathering at the family home. The family will be sharing Irene’s cherished stories and ensuring that her legacy of love and togetherness continues for generations to come. 

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