Irene Santos, a lifetime resident of Turlock, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the age of 84. 

Irene was born on April 21, 1939 near Turlock to Mayme and Ben Oliveira. She grew up in the area and graduated from Turlock High School, class of 1956. 

In October of 1980, Irene married the love of her life, Melvin Santos. 

She worked at Souza’s Furniture and Sensient Food for 30 years. She retired in 2008. 

In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, baking, and shopping. She had a special love for cats and especially her dog, Levi. 

Irene was Elvis Presley’s #1 Fan! Most of all, she loved her family. Irene was the best mother, grandma, and great-grandma. 

She continues to live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her. 

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Mayme and Ben; her husband, Melvin; her son, Michael; her brother, Jim; her sister-in-law, Carol; and her brother-in-law, Manuel.

She leaves behind her children, Jim (Kelly), Chris, Greg (Cindy), Sheri (Richard); her grandchildren, Sarah (Aaron), Rachel (Sam), James (Averie), Michael, Lorissa (Tyler), Julia (Scott), Natalie (David), Noel (Brandon) and Ashlynn; as well as her great-grandchildren, Maxine, Harvey, Averie, Jameson, Jade, Noah, Reghan, Loghan, Spencer, Aeriel, and Riley.

A visitation is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 followed by a recitation of the rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, CA 95380.

A funeral mass is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1200 Lyons Ave., Turlock, CA 95380. 

Following the service, Irene will be laid to rest at Turlock Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Stanislaus County Animal Services.