Irma Ayala

MCALLEN - Irma Ayala, 85, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in McAllen surrounded by her family. Irma was preceded in death by her parents, Eluterio Casanova and Leonor Zarate; her daughter, Rosalie Balquinta; a brother, Severo Casanova.

Our mother was the kind of woman whose strength lived quietly in everything she did. She worked tirelessly never once calling in sick and still somehow managed to fill our home with warmth, and the smell of food on the table even when resources were scarce . She was an avid reader she carried wisdom in her mind and compassion in her heart, pouring both into her children and later into her grandchildren, whom she adored deeply, she believed fiercely in the power of education and independence, insisting that we grow into capable adults who could stand strong in the world, her sacrifices, her consistency and her unwavering love shaped, not just our childhood, but the people we became. Her legacy continues to live on in every life that she touched.

Ms. Ayala is survived by Belinda Y (Juan E.) Davila, Cynthia A. (Rogelio) Vela, Andy (Petra) Ayala III, Israel Ayala, Sandra (Michael) Flores, Gloria Ayala, Brenda (Sehila) Ayala, Nancy Ayala-Hernandez, and Alex Ayala; twenty two grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with 7 p.m. rosary, Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.